Memorial Day and parades. Tomorrow is Memorial Day and many communities will mark the day with a parade. That means that band kids will be suiting up and tuning up for their final performance of the year.
Memorial Day Parade, Jr. High
Memorial Day brings back memories of marching in the parade in Irwin, PA. We would gather in the metropolis of downtown Irwin and prepare to march up to Union Cemetery.
I started marching in that parade when I was in the Norwin Jr. High West band. Our director was Mr. Radzevick. He was a tough, balding, chain smoking band director, and he terrified me. But, for some reason, I liked him.
I was a trumpet player and trumpet players marched up front. Band directors walked alongside of their bands and were pretty close to the trumpet section.
I remember marching up Pennsylvania Avenue in a downpour. I saw Mr. Radzevick out of the corner of my eye. He was walking along like nothing was out of the ordinary while water cascaded off the top of his balding head.
High school
The Norwin High School Band always played “White Star” march for parades. Mr. Hancock liked that melody for some reason. Was there an inside joke involved with the tune?
I’m pretty sure this is the melody:
Mostly I remember the parade as being hot and exhausting. Pennsylvania Avenue has a gradual uphill climb. It’s tough to march and play while you’re going uphill.
When we reached the end of the parade we would participate in a ceremony at the cemetery. A trumpet would play Taps while we stood at attention.
Overall I liked being in the uniform for a final time, even though the uniform was hot!
Wrap up
If you can, enjoy a Memorial Day Parade. You can click here for information and a link to the National Memorial Day Parade.
Nothing says, “Old America” more than a parade. And a parade wouldn’t be the same without the hard working kids in the bands.
I wrote more about bands and their connection with what I call, “Old America” here.