Marching Nighthawks Recommended As Possible 2012 National Memorial Day Parade Representatives

By Emily Ashbolt

Newtown High School received a great honor last week when Congressman Christopher Murphy recommended the Newtown High School Marching Band represent the State of Connecticut in the 2012 National Memorial Day Parade.

“Participating in a marching band is a huge commitment for Newtown’s young musicians,” said Congressman Murphy, the Democrat Fifth US Congressional District representative. “These students dedicate hours of their time to practice in hopes of one day displaying their talents on a bigger stage.”

The National Memorial Day Parade certainly could be considered a bigger stage — taking place annually in Washington, D.C., the parade pays tribute to those who fought for the America’s freedom and sometimes lost their own lives in the progress.

Other bands nominated for the honor are from Cheshire, Bethel, Danbury, and Meriden High Schools. Once nominated, bands must decide whether to participate and send a video of a performance to Music Celebrations International, which will then review the performances and make a final decision. From that point, acceptance/denial letters usually arrive within four to six weeks.

The National Memorial Day Parade runs roughly three hours long, and, along with tradition balloons and floats, comprising various marching bands from each of the 50 states, as well as veteran units from each state honoring World War I, War World II, The Korean and Vietnam Conflicts, Desert Storm, and the liberation of Grenada, Panama, Iraq and Afghanistan. More than 10,000 people participate in the parade annually, with television coverage provided by the Military Channel, according to Music Celebrations International.

Newtown Band Director Kurt Eckhardt pleased but not too surprised by the invitation.

“The kids work really hard here,” he said. “They are very enthusiastic about the program, and have achieved excellence through it.”

This excellence not only has the band nominated for the parade, but also going to the United States Scholastic Band Association come the next school year. Invitations to this exclusive contest are based solely on performance, and being asked to participate in both of these high-profile events is a great privilege.

According to Mr Eckhardt, however, “They deserve it.

“It’s nice to be recognized, really nice for them to get this recognition,” he continued.

Junior Brandon Hart, who plays trumpet for the marching band, says he is excited about the prospective trip.

“It’s an honor to be invited to this parade,” said Brandon. “I love when the marching band goes on trips. They are always a great time.”

Of course, packing up and leaving town for the weekend can be a tough thing to coordinate, especially in May, when there are so many other things going on, such as graduation, advanced placement tests, and more.

“Bet we are used to it,” said Mr Eckhardt, “and have a great parents association. Parents should be commended.”

“It is a tremendous honor to be recognized and considered for participation in such an event,” said Newtown High School Principal Charles Dumais.