The Hermiston High School marching band has been nominated to represent the state of Oregon next year at the July 4 National Independence Day Parade in Washington D.C.
Hermiston High School Marching Band Director Sean McClanahan received notification last week that the HHS band was nominated by Oregon Gov. Kate Brown to march in the national parade.
The governor’s recommendation was directed to U.S. Rep. Greg Walden for official nomination and final selection. A final decision has yet to be made, according to the Hermiston School District.
Marching bands are selected based on overall quality and geographical, ethnic, and stylistic diversity. The nomination process assists to ensure representation from all parts of the United States. The national selection committee strives to have at least one band or unit represent each of the 50 states.
“What a unique opportunity and terrific distinction for Hermiston High School’s marching band,” said HHS Principal Tom Spoo. “It’s quite an honor that Hermiston, a rural school, will represent the state of Oregon in Washington D.C. We have outstanding marching band students and a phenomenal band director; I am glad that their work has been recognized.”
The National Park Service hosts the parade and contracts with Music Celebrations International to produce the event. MCI is responsible for selecting and providing arrangements for the bands marching in the parade. Kick-off starts at 11:45 a.m. EDT and proceeds on Constitution Avenue between 7th and 17th streets. Aside from marching bands, the parade includes fife and drum corps, floats, military, and specialty units, giant balloons, equestrian, drill teams, VIPs, national dignitaries, and celebrity participants.
Following the parade, participants join the audience of the PBS Concert at the Capitol Building, which features the National Symphony Orchestra and one of the nation’s largest fireworks displays.
