Local MSU Pride Band students go to D.C. for inauguration

Photo submitted
Turn disappointment into private concert for families and fans
The Missouri State University Pride Marching Band excitedly loaded their busses and departed the campus on Friday eagerly anticipating the first ever chance to perform in the Inauguration Day parade which was held on Monday, Jan. 20. Their excitement sadly turned to disappointment when they, just hours into their trip, received word that the parade had been scaled back due to weather and they would no longer be among those performing during the celebration ceremonies.
The Missouri State Pride Marching Band had been chosen to perform in the presidential inauguration parade on Jan. 20, marking the first presidential inauguration performance in the band’s history and the only band in Missouri to be chosen for the momentous occasion.
“We’re all very excited to represent the entire state of Missouri at this historic event,” said Dr. Brad Snow, director of bands at MSU. “We’d like to thank everyone for the overwhelming support we have received since we were notified of our participation.”
The band applied in late November. The application included the band’s performance history, photos, video footage and letters of recommendation from Missouri Gov. Mike Parson and Rep. Eric Burlison.
A contingent of 350 students and staff traveled to represent Missouri State at the inauguration.
“The Pride Marching Band has performed at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Tournament of Roses Parade, the Orange Bowl Parade and at NFL games. The band also traveled to London to participate in a New Year’s Day parade,” said Dr. Shawn Wahl, dean of the Reynolds College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities. “This is the first presidential inauguration performance in the band’s history. A performance like this on the national stage builds on the band’s profile and legacy as one of the largest and most engaged collegiate marching programs in the nation.”
The band didn’t let the bad news spoil their time and took the opportunity to perform for students, alumni and others in attendance at Georgetown University where they were given the opportunity to rehearse prior to their performance.
The following local students were among the group that traveled for the event: Adam Bland and Olivia Ray of Aurora; Braden Hamman of Marionville; and Ashleyannette Garcia, Roberto Salas and Adrian Vargas of Monett. 1982 Aurora High School graduate, John Sullivan was also among those who traveled. Sullivan is the Color Guard director and senior band staff member. He teaches the 90-member MSU Pride Color Guard and was set to march in the parade as well.
Category:
Lawrence County Record
312 S. Hickory St.
Mt. Vernon, MO, 65712
www.lawrencecountyrecord.com