Shepard High School band members figure to be in for a most memorable Thanksgiving.
The band was selected to march in the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade, which claims to be the oldest Thanksgiving Day parade in the nation. The experience will be followed by a trip to New York, and there are sightseeing excursions planned in both cities.
“I am super excited to have the opportunity to march in the parade and am especially looking forward to seeing Central Park in New York City,” said Shepard sophomore Meghan Travis, of Alsip, a mellophone player.
Christopher Pitlik, who has directed the band program at the Palos Township high school for 25 years, said the band submitted a video and an application and was selected.
“We are very excited to have this opportunity to perform in Philadelphia. The students have been counting down the days as their excitement grows,” he said. “Band is a big family — from the kids to their parents, everyone looks out for each other and takes care of each other, and everyone is very excited for this opportunity.”
The band, with 108 students and eight color guard members, will be performing in the parade for the first time.
“I am very happy to continue the marching season and to top off my high school senior year with this wonderful experience,” Shepard senior and baritone player Marlen Terrazas, of Worth, said.
The band is scheduled to depart Tuesday and return Nov. 28. The itinerary includes two days of sightseeing in Philadelphia, with stops at Independence Hall, Congress Hall, the Liberty Bell and more.
After the Thanksgiving Day parade, the band will head to the New York Marriott Marquis in Times Square, where they will enjoy Thanksgiving dinner before visiting Radio City Music Hall to watch a Christmas spectacular starring the Rockettes.
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A Friday morning sightseeing tour of Manhattan will include stops at Columbia University, the John Lennon Memorial, Central Park, the former site of the World Trade Center and more.
The tour will continue at the Rockefeller Center, and students can walk to the Times Square area to shop and enjoy the 60-foot Ferris wheel at Toys “R” Us. They will have dinner at Planet Hollywood in Times Square and take in a performance of “Les Miserables” at the Imperial Theatre.
“This parade experience could possibly lead to some bigger and different performing opportunities in the future,” Pitlik said. “Students will also have the opportunity to experience the colonial and historical elements of touring Philadelphia and New York City. They will have the opportunity to see many of the great sites these cities have to offer.”
Kelly White is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.