I will post quite a few pictures over the next few day but today was a very busy, and somewhat overwhelming day for everyone. We started our day by taking a tour of Eagles Stadium. This is, of course, a very exciting time for their organization after beating the Cowboys this past weekend to make it to the playoffs so we were able to see some of the field prep for their upcoming game against the Saints as well as the press box, locker rooms, field level, etc.
From there we went over to the Mummer's museum and were greeted by members of the Murray Comic Club who were able to assist us in being able to perform in the parade. We learned a lot of new information today about the Mummers and their rich traditions as well as more of our role in the parade and the impact that we are actually making on this event. According to everyone that I have talked to today, we are the ONLY high school band to have ever been invited to participate in this parade. One of the Philadelphia City Councilmen presented the Arapahoe Band with a formal citation welcoming us to the City of Philadelphia and recognizing our participation in the Mummer's parade!
Even troupes in the String Band divisions were surprised by our participation. Up until we were welcomed into the parade, all bands could only use woodwind, percussion, and string instruments. If a group had a brass instrument in their band then they would typically be disqualified from their competition performance.
This evening, we were invited by the Woodland String Band to attend their final rehearsal before the big parade. Going in, I don't think that anyone really had a good idea of what to expect. It was a little cold but it was so much fun!!!! We were able to watch their rehearsals and were even invited to stand inside the band when they were rehearsing. String Bands are so different from anything that we have ever been exposed to.
Throughout the day, we were interviewed by several news stations about the upcoming parade (yes, that is Mr. Funk in the Mummers suit). Here are some of the links to the various local Philadelphia news stations. You may have seen clips that have been sent home to Colorado as well. Many other stations were also there today but I have not been able to find a direct link to their story yet. I will post those as soon as I come across them.
CBS News -
http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2013/12/30/arapahoe-high-school-marching-band-plays-special-role-in-mummers-parade/NBC News -
ABC News -
WHYY Radio News -
