The Freedom High School Marching Band in Woodbridge is one of two scholastic bands, chosen from across Virginia, to perform on Saturday’s inaugural parade for the commonwealth’s 73rd governor, Ralph Northam.
The band will leave Saturday morning after meeting for breakfast, and will then head to Richmond to march. For these band members, it’s the largest event in which they’ve ever marched.
Quiara Jackson, 17, the saxophone section leader tells us:
“Because coming up from where we began, we would have never thought this would have happened. People were always telling us you guys could be better. You know you guys you guys are like any other bands in the county, but we really pushed ourselves and with the help of our director Mr. Thorogood, we really have come up from a mighty long way.”
The band sent in videos of performances and were chosen from a pool of statewide competitors. Once chosen, the hard work to prepare for the parade began.
Gabriel Lynch, 15, who plays bass, tells us:
“Our last parade was two miles, and the preparations for it were hectic. For this parade… long hours [of preperation] lots of percussion sectionals, my legs, they were sore for days. We’re talking ice baths, Epsom salts… I think it’s definitely going to b worth it because on Saturday we’re going to show you guys what we’ve been preparing for. I’m really excited for it.”
Bria Sullivan, 19, the color guard captain, motivates the band. She tells us:
“Our slogan is ‘it’s OK if you don’t get it, it’s a band thing.’ And, for us, we’ve worked so hard. A lot of people in the community don’t understand how much we condition. And, we’re like, OK, ‘don’t sweat it, we’re going to put on a good show for you, it’s OK if you don’t understand what we’re doing. It’s a band thing.”
School Board Chairman Ryan Sayers spoke to band members Thursday afternoon to wish them well. He told them to take a lot of selfies, and to make Prince William County proud.
Northam will take the oath of office at noon on Saturday, replacing outgoing Governor Terry McAuliffe.
