This summer, a new marching band designed to showcase the talent and goodwill of the Evansville community, will take to the pavement.
The EVSC All Star High School Marching Band, a 200-member organization comprised of both instrumental and color guard high school students, will have its first appearance as the kickoff to Drums on the Ohio tonight (June 24) where they will play the National Anthem along with other area bands. Drums on the Ohio is at 7 p.m. at Reitz Bowl.
Recently, Douglas Goodwin, director of the All Star band; and EVSC Director of Fine Arts Dwight Emmert, learned the band has already been accepted into its first holiday parade opportunity – the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade. First held in 1920, the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade has a vibrant legacy as the oldest Thanksgiving Day parade in America. The parade was created by Gimbel Brothers Department Store for the children and residents of Philadelphia. After Gimbel’s closed in 1986, WPVI-TV/6abc stepped in to continue the holiday tradition that signifies the official arrival of Santa Claus in the “City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection.” The parade is broadcast on ABC stations.
The EVSC All Star Band hopes for more opportunities like this at local, regional and other nationally recognized events, as the group becomes better known.
The purpose of the band is multi-fold – but essentially it is a performance opportunity for students to hone their skills and an opportunity to act as a public relations/goodwill ambassador tool for the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation and the City of Evansville.
Band members were selected through an application process and following at least one season in one of EVSC’s high school marching bands.
Anyone wishing to inquire about sponsorship for the band and an opportunity for advertising on uniforms and banners, should email tiffany.ball@evsc.k12.in.us
