Parade


 

It was a gorgeous day for a parade!  Ten different bands, wearing their school colors proudly, competed for trophies.  Following in her older sisters' footsteps, Victoria marched in the Old West Band competition today for the first time.

She has marched in a parade before, but this was the first time she marched in her full band uniform.  T-shirts and shorts are the accepted attire for the hot, July Oregon Trail Days parade.  Warm, wool uniforms are best worn for fall parades.

Heads were held high, plumes adorning each marcher's hat.  Instruments were held steady as band members marched to the steady drum cadence.  Drum majors blew their whistles; instruments were up, and the band played together loudly, proudly, as they marched in front of the judges' stand.

Spectators clapped politely as each band marched by.  People cheered enthusiastically for their hometown bands.  Marchers didn't miss a beat.  Staring straight ahead, each one concentrated on the day's task.  They had prepared well for this day.

Then, in just a short while, the parade was over.  Spectators dispersed.  Musicians removed their hats and jackets, and put their instruments into their cases.  After a lunch break, it was time to start all over again, with the field competition. 

It was a perfect fall day, a splendid day for a parade.




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