Band performs preview before heading to Pasadena next week
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By Kim Chiomento, Staff Writer, The Times
EAST MARLBOROUGH – For the 154 band members, their families and friends gathered Saturday afternoon in the chilly Unionville High School Stadium, the sentiments could not have been warmer. Enthusiasm and pride charged the air as the regional Cavalcade of Bands Honor Band stepped onto the field, in full regalia, to display what their many months of hard work has accomplished.
The Cavalcade of Bands Rose Parade Honor Band.
Saturday’s full dress-rehearsal performance featured a sampling of the Honor Band’s Tournament of Roses Parade field show and parade performances. It was the only local performance prior to departing for Pasadena next week; and performing on the internationally watched ‘stage’ during the iconic Rose Parade New Year’s Day.
The band, lead by a strong team of marching band professionals is directed by Unionville High School’s (UHS) band director, G. Scott Litzenberg. Other members of the Honor Band’s leadership team include: Mary Litzenberg, UHS Color Guard Instructor, Cody Stafford, UHS Drum Line Instructor, Anton Romano Kennett High’s (KHS) Band Director, Kathy Corcoran, KHS Color Guard Instructor, plus Mitch Adams the Co-Director, Paul Smith – Assistant Director and Mark Thurston, Percussion Director.
Honor Band director, G. Scott Litzenberg, helps students with some last-minute touches.
The band members are representative of talented high school performers from across Chester County and the region. Drum Majors Lindsay Saienn (Avon Grove High School) and Kerri Townsend (Spring Ford High School) have been selected to lead their peers during the field show.
Proud Honors Band mother, Jane Groves, whose daughter Sarah plays the mellophone says, “This is the best senior year a kid could have…first our home band (Great Valley High School) won their division at the Hershey Championships this fall, and now this incredible experience and opportunity; it’s a dream!” The McCann family of Springfield, whose son Dave is in the Honors Band percussion line, told The Times, “It has been a TERRIFIC experience. Dave has made so many new friends from all over…we are just so happy for him and that he has had this gift during his senior year.”
The Times is pleased to share the above slide show capturing the afternoon’s sentiments and special moments. To view an exclusive sneak-peek video of the Honors Band performing a parade pass-by, visit The Times of Chester County Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TheTimesOfChesterCounty and click on the video link. If you have enjoyed the coverage, please take a moment to “like” us and share with your friends.
Color Guard members: Kate Doroba, Diane Brunke, Laura Rzucidlo & Ileana Alfonso
To watch The Tournament of Roses Parade and cheer on these area students, tune-in New Year’s Day 2015. Currently the Cavalcade Honors Band has been assigned position #70 (of 87) within the Rose Parade line-up. For more information on the Parade please visit: http://www.tournamentofroses.com/.
Proud of these kids! I know several of them and they are awesome!
Just as awesome… Scott Litzenberg and his staff for taking on such a great project. We will be watching!
Thank you Kim and the Times of Chester County for covering the event, lots of great pictures and terrific article.
It is our pleasure. It was really fun to cover the Band’s development and the hard work of the many communities and parents coming together over the past year to make this happen. –Word is everyone has arrived safely in Pasadena and are having a great time. We’ll be cheering them on New Year’s Day! Thanks for writing Rudy, Kim
Thank you Mr & Mrs Litzenberg for your leadership, and guidance. Also special thanks for all of the other community leaders, businesses, parents, boosters, etc for all of your support in making this happen. We are grateful for making this happen and giving these future leaders a lifetime experience. These kids will make us proud. Go Cavalcade Honor Band.
Rudy Alfonso