This summer, the Pitman Marching Pride has been invited to play in the Nation’s Capital to march in the nationally televised parade route for the Fourth of July Parade. This is a huge honor as we are 1 out of 10 high school marching bands inCaliforniato be invited and the only band from theCentral Valley. It is the first and possibly only time that the Pitman Marching Pride has been invited. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and will nationally represent the JohnH. Pitman High School name.

America’s National Independence Day parade is an annual parade that takes place in WashingtonD.C.The route takes viewers down Constitution Avenuefrom 7^th to 17^th Street, where hundreds of thousands of spectators will be watching. The parade will have fife and drum corps, military and specialty units, equestrian, drill teams, national dignitaries, VIPs, floats, giant balloons, celebrity participants, and invited bands, such as the Pitman Marching Pride. The participating marching bands get invited based on recommendations from each state’s Governor’s office. They can also be invited by recommendations from the state’s music educator’s office or other music education organizations at the governor’s request.

According to the National Independence Day Parade website, the goal of this parade is to have representation from all parts of theUnited States. Recommended bands, such as the Pitman Marching Pride, must submit photos, a video recording of a performance, and biographical information that includes details of their experience, honors, past adjudication results, festival ratings, and more. Marching bands, such as the Pitman Marching Pride, are chosen based on overall quality, as well as geographical, ethnic, and stylistic diversity. The annual goal of the parade organizers is to have at least one band represent each of the fiftyUnited States.

 As all big trips do, this one will blow the top off of any previous costs of any school related trip. The estimated cost of the whole trip is about $140,000. The Band Boosters want to help make it affordable, so that any student, who wishes to go, may do so. The cost is about $1,200 per student. The Band and Band Boosters are holding fundraisers throughout the year to hopefully, make the cost about $600 per student. Our next fundraiser will be held October 29^th and 30^th. It will be a car wash/ tri-tip dinner. With your help, we can proudly representJohnH.PitmanHigh School, the Central Valley, and the great state ofCalifornia!

“There is no greater location displaying greater excitement onAmerica’s birthday than in our nation’s capital!”