The first Utah band in 23 years to be invited to march in the Rose Parade received a hearty send-off Saturday night.
Members of American Fork High School's award-winning marching band loaded their instruments and luggage onto seven buses Saturday just before several dignitaries wished them well in a festive pep rally. The band is one of just nine high-school bands scheduled to march Jan. 1 in the 109th Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade."A lot of people will see you, so get ready," said Scott Miller, director of community relations for the Utah Starzz. Miller marched in the 1985 Rose Parade with a band from Wyoming.
"Believe me when I say I envy all of you," he said.
American Fork Mayor-elect Ted Barratt held up the trumpet he played with the American Fork marching band at the Calgary Stampede in 1965. He advised band members to make new friends during their weeklong stay in Southern California.
"What a great honor," he said. "What a great opportunity. Cherish every moment of it."
Band members were scheduled to arrive in California Sunday morning. Their schedule during the next seven days includes a field competition and several stops at theme parks and museums. Some band members appeared as excited about other parts of the trip as the parade itself.
"I've been to California many times, but not with such a large group," said Lone Peak High School junior Caleb Parker, who plays the clarinet. Parker was anxious to get to Disneyland, Knotts Berry Farm and Universal Studios.
"We're very excited," he said.
The 262-member band includes students from American Fork High and Lone Peak High in nearby Highland, as well as Timpanogos High School in Orem. Thirty-two chaperones, 13 band advisers and approximately 200 parents will also make the trip.
Saturday's send-off included remarks from representatives of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the state of Utah and the Alpine School District as well as from American Fork High principal Glen Clark. Clark, who will also travel to the Rose Parade, reminded band members to watch for several businesses' flashing signs wishing them well as the buses drive south on I-15.
"You're the state of Utah's band this year," Clark said. "We're very proud of you."
Band director John Miller said that as many as 450 million people are expected to watch the parade on television. Approximately 2 million people will line the parade route's 51/2 miles.
Band members said they're used to people watching them, but they have never marched such a long route before.
"I'm not so worried about all the people," Parker said. "I'm more worried about the distance."
For Miller, Thursday's event represents the culmination of five years of effort. The time spent in preparation and the total price tag of $150,000 will be well worth it, he said. Each student was asked to come up with nearly $400 for the trip and a total of $600 for band expenses this year.
"Parents, we want to thank you for everything you've done to make this possible," Miller said. "I know you've bought a lot of candy and sold a lot of stuff for us."
The American Fork marching band is the state champion six years running. The band was designated the official band of Utah's 1996 centennial celebration and the LDS Church's 1997 pioneer sesquicentennial.
The anticipation of performing at the Rose Parade has been building in this northern Utah County town for months. Most band members have been planning to make the trip for nearly a year. For junior tuba player Dustin Chadwick, the arrival of the moment to finally board the bus was a long time in coming.
"I was packed a long time ago," he said.