Raleigh has a Christmas parade every year near Thanksgiving. There are a variety of acts in the parade, such as dance performances, marching bands, singers, Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, giant balloons, floats, classic cars, and horseback riders. The Green Level Marching Band did not perform in this parade last year. However, they are getting the chance to participate in this year’s parade.
Junior, Soren Cornwell, is the trumpet section leader. He has to lead and handle the trumpet section of the band. The section leaders are in charge of keeping everyone in their section focused and on rhythm.
Cornwell loves Christmas time and performing in these festive parades.
“The most exciting part of the parade for me is getting to walk down and see all the people that are there and seeing all the Christmas decorations and lights.” said Cornwell.
Now that their competition season is over, they’re focusing directly on the Raleigh parade. They’re also going to perform in the Apex and Cary parades.
Junior, Kevin Zhang, is a drum major, meaning he is one of the people who actually conduct the band. He looks forward to the Christmas parade every year, he’s excited to be performing in the Raleigh one since they were in Indianapolis for a competition last year.
They’re playing all Christmas music. This is a main reason why Zhang likes participating in the Christmas parades, “We’re playing Santa Claus is coming to Town, I just love the festive music.”
To get ready for the parades, they have to rehearse marching in formation while playing the Christmas music.
Altosaxophone section leader, Owen Cook, is in charge of leading the Freshmen in his section during competitions, football games, and now the parades. He’s been leading them during practice to make sure that the parade goes as well as it can.
They have been having practices every week. “We play Christmas music and then march through the parking lot,” Cook said. “We have these practices every week to ensure that the parade is a success.”
The Raleigh Christmas Parade is Saturday, November 22nd, in downtown Raleigh. It starts at 9:30 AM and will go to roughly noon. This is the 81st Raleigh Christmas parade, and it’s a very popular event each year. To get front row seats, make sure to show up at least an hour before the parade starts. To watch the parade from home, it will be streamed on ABC11, the ABC11 streaming apps, and the ABC News Hulu channel.
Support our Gators from the warmth of your home or brave the cold and enjoy some great music, dancing, and festive fun!
