The Greendale Marching Band just returned from their trip to Pasadena, where they spent 5 days enjoying warm weather, playing their hearts out, and marching a lengthy 5.5 miles down Pasadena in the 137th annual Tournament of Roses parade.
This year, the band has had an extra-long season, spanning from early April all the way to Jan. 1. But last month was no easy task for the Band; they were preparing to head to Pasadena where they performed at Downey College for Band fest, in which all the bands in the parade perform a field show and debut what they played in the parade on the 1st of January.
The trip consisted of many fun activities for the band, including heading to Disneyland, walking on Santa Monica Pier, and visiting The Original Farmers Market, among other activities.
Director Liz Parsons elaborates on the success of the band’s trip, even speaking about some feedback from students about the trip.
“The band trip was very successful! I think overall, everyone had a great time. It’s always so special to see students experience new places and put on amazing performances,” said Parsons.”
Senior Lyla Gibson thought Disney World topped Disneyland and her feedback did not disappoint.
“I like Disney World a lot better because there are more parks and the castle is a lot cooler,” said Gibson. “Disney World also has more fast passes available, so it’s fun that you can get on more rides there and also have a wider variety of rides.”
Feedback from the students was that many wished they had more time in Beverly Hills to explore not only the landmarks but the atmosphere as well, and Parsons could not have agreed more when asked about what she would switch about the trip her answer agreed with the students completely.
“I think if we did this trip again, I would change the Hollywood tour a bit, just so students had the chance to walk around Beverly Hills a bit more. I think everything else was solid,” she said.
The Band spent a night on the Santa Monica Pier, visiting different shops, and small restaurants. Senior Jude Bunzel talks about some of the food he enjoyed and the views he got to see looking off the pier into the Pacific Ocean.
“I felt mixed emotions about the pier, but I enjoyed the big churro I bought,” said Bunzel. “Some of the people on the pier were a bit strange, with weird signs and such but other than that was a positive experience.”
Gibson said there were things that she wished they did and places she wished they visited.
“In Cali, I wish I could’ve visited some of their MLB parks since my family tries to see them every trip we go on,” she said.
Parsons gave fantastic feedback about why they send these students on a band trip. Some reasons being it grows stronger bonds, and gives some of these kids new experiences they wouldn’t be able to have if it weren’t for band.
“We find band trips (and any trip, for that matter) like this important because it provides brand new experiences for students,” Parsons said. “ You get to experience a new place and new opportunities with your friends, which is not something everybody gets to do.”
The Band really enjoyed their trip, and many students had great things to say about it. Whether it was about the parade or the fun activities they got to partake in while they were in California most say they would like to return to California.
