Social Media Campaign surrounds Indiana band’s participation in 2014 Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade on Jan. 1
December 16, 2013 Carmel, IN – The State of Indiana will be well represented at the 125th Tournament of Roses Parade on January 1, 2014. One million in-person spectators, along with an estimated 350 million television viewers world-wide, will see the 244 members of the Carmel High School Marching Band march all 5 miles of this world-famous New Year’s Day event. Followers of the event on Twitter will also learn more about this great state, as @carmelbands, with the support of the City of Carmel, launches a social media campaign around the band’s parade experience.
About the Trip:
The Greyhound’s journey begins when they depart from Indianapolis on Dec 28th. Filling a plane with band members, their luggage and brave chaperones is one thing –including instruments, flags and uniforms is another. 244 members make up the band, including 24 Flutes, 26 Clarinets, 8 Bass Clarinets, 11 Alto Saxophones, 4 Tenor Saxophones, 4 Baritone Saxophones, 30 Trumpets, 12 Mellophones, 22 Baritones, 10 Contras (Tubas), 40 Percussion and 49 Color Guard (dancers and Flags) and 4 Drum Majors.
A full itinerary awaits them in California. Highlights include the Los Angeles Farmers Market, Griffith Observatory, Universal Studios, the Float Building areas, Santa Monica Pier, Mann’s Chinese Theater, Disneyland and California Adventure, The Los Angelis House of Blues and the Hollywood Bowl. With rehearsals and performances, the itinerary is packed with exciting events for everyone to enjoy.
Director Chris Kreke said, “We are thrilled to be representing Carmel High School, the Carmel community, and the State of Indiana at the Tournament of Roses Parade. The students have worked incredibly hard to earn this honor and I’m looking forward to their performances at Bandfest and in the parade. This is truly a dream come true for our kids and staff!”
About the Social Media Campaign:
Indiana residents can keep up to date on the Band’s participation in the Parade by following @carmelbands on Twitter. The goal behind Carmel Band’s social media campaign is to increase awareness of Indiana, the City of Carmel, and the value of participating in marching band.
About Carmel Band’s Tournament of Roses Parade/Events Participation:
Selected because of its award-winning style in musical sound and excellence in precision marching, the CHS band will be one of approximately 20 outstanding musical groups performing in the 2014 Tournament of Roses Parade.
Approximately one million in-person spectators, a domestic television audience of 40 million viewers and an additional estimated 350 million viewers in more than 100 countries will see the Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year’s Day.
In addition to marching in the parade, the Marching Greyhounds will perform on Dec. 30 at 11:45 a.m. at Bandfest at Pasadena City College, which features the outstanding bands participating in the parade. This event typically sells out. Over the course of two days, each band will present their “competition’” or ‘field’ show and will ‘troop’ (parade) the stands in exhibition for all in attendance.
About Carmel Bands:
The Marching Greyhounds placed second in the Bands of America (BOA) Grand Nationals Championship on November 16th; they have two previous BOA championships, in 2005 and 2012. In addition, CHS has won the Indiana State School Music Association’s (ISSMA) state championship in 1990, 2001, 2002 and 2012.
The CHS band’s 2013 competition show, “Totem,” draws inspiration from American Indian and Tribal totems, legendary stories, and the mythic past. These ideas pertain to concepts such as drought, war/conflict, rain dancing, peace/prosperity, tribal dance and celebration.
The Marching Greyhounds have participated in several fundraising events, beginning last spring, to help finance the trip to Pasadena. For additional information on the band’s participation in the internationally famous event, or to find out how you can support these students, please visit http://www.carmelbands.org/HelpDreamscomeTrue.
Directed by Christopher Kreke and led by Drum Majors Vincent Maggioli, Sarina Allison, Grace Hahn and Jack Denger, the Marching Band is comprised of 244 students, including winds, percussion and guard members. In addition to Kreke, Michael Pote, Andrew Cook and Kyle Young direct the band.
The Carmel High School Bands program includes the Marching Band and Color Guard, Jazz Bands, Concert Bands, chamber ensembles, Winter Percussion, Winter Guard. 450 students participate in these ensembles at Carmel High School.
Media contact: Jennifer Riley Simone publicity@carmelbands.org or 860-670-6595.