JACKSON — There will be more than 250 students from the Jackson Memorial High School Jaguar Marching Band and the Jackson Liberty High School Lion Marching Band marching in the New York City St. Patrick’s Day parade on March 17.
“The students of both bands enjoy working together,” said Jackson Liberty High School band director Scott Katona. “I think it’s wonderful we can get all of the high school musicians who are enrolled at both high schools together for this parade.”
Katona said an event such as this is one way the district can showcase music in the schools and Jackson’s talented students.
Michelle Warshany, a Jackson Memorial High School junior and band drum major, said she is looking forward to the trip.
“It is exciting to go to New York for the parade,” she said. “It is always fun to march in front of such an energetic crowd.”
The musicians have been busy practicing their selection, “Irish Celebration.” This arrangement is a combination of popular Irish songs including “MacNamara’s Band,” “Danny Boy” and “Irish Washerwoman.”
The band members have been working on their marching skills outside when the weather cooperates, while the color guard members have been working with their flags to get ready for the big day.
The combined Jackson Memorial and Jackson Liberty band placed fifth overall among all of the bands in the 2008 St. Patrick’s Day parade and the students are hoping to score higher this year.
The band will be judged on its music and its marching. Even the band directors and chaperones who walk with the band must keep in step.
Jackson Memorial High School band director Bud McCormick has been bringing his band to the parade for years.
“I remember going to New York City about 20 years ago to participate in the St. Patrick’s Day parade with not more that 50 students,” McCormick said. “To go this year and see more than 250 band members all from Jackson is truly amazing to me. I will always remember this coming performance.”
Suzanne Rogalsky, vice president of the Jackson Memorial Band Parents, said it is great that students have the opportunity to attend the parade and said the young people represent Jackson very well.
“Since band students comprise almost 10 percent of the high school population, a performance at a parade like this gives the township national recognition,” Rogalsky said. “We are grateful that the Jackson Board of Education supports these events, which are lifetime learning experiences for the students and the result of hours and hours of practice and hard work.”