Nominated by Congressman Pat Meehan
By Lauren Parker- Gill, News Editor, The Times
The Coatesville Area High School marching band was nominated by Congressman Pat Meehan as the only band from Pennsylvania nominated to perform in the National Independence Day Parade July 4, 2017, in Washington D.C.
CALN – The Coatesville Area High School marching band recently received the honor of being the only marching band from Pennsylvania nominated to perform in the National Independence Day Parade July 4, 2017, in Washington D.C.
Nominated by Congressman Pat Meehan (R-7), this is the first time in the history of the high school that the marching band will be participating in the national event. Last week, Meehan, along with band members, color guard, parents and staff gathered outside at the high school to celebrate the occasion.
“I am so excited you were able to accept the invitation to be part of the Fourth of July celebration,” Meehan said as he addressed the group. “I think you will be moved, not only by being part of what is a magnificent parade but really as you can imagine there are few more exciting places to be…than Washington D.C. on the Fourth of July.”
Meehan also told students that he hopes they appreciate the joy they are giving to others when they perform and thanked parents and supporters for making it possible for students to attend the three-day event.
Kameron Reeves and Sarah Morroney, drum majors for the marching band, presented Meehan with a framed picture, signed by all band members.
“All of our band students are so dedicated and this gift that you give, not only is going to come back and give you joy later in life, it is the heartbeat of this community,” said superintendent Dr. Cathy Taschner. “Thank you to the congressman for entrusting us to represent you and your district and I assure you these children and parents will not disappoint.”
“It is truly an honor and a privilege to have the recognition that has been given to our students,” said band director Gabriel Hughes. “It’s so great to be able to showcase their talent to other people.”
“I am so proud of this group of kids, techs and Mr. Hughes,” said Sandy Brocious, parent of band member Lance Brocious. “It is such an honor to be nominated and see their hard work, drive and passion paying off.”
After receiving an embroidered marching band polo shirt, hat and Christmas ornament, Meehan says he is now an honorary member of the band.
Before closing with a performance by the marching band, drum majors Kameron Reeves and Sarah Morroney presented Meehan with a group photo, signed by the marching band, a marching Red Raiders polo shirt, hat and Christmas ornament as a thank you for the nomination.
Coatesville Parents Music Club president Ann Morroney said it will cost $75,000 for the entire marching band and the chaperones to attend. Morroney said that the CPMC hopes to raise every penny through fundraising efforts that will take place throughout the year, including a GoFundMe page: www.gofundme.com/marchingredraiders
