Chelmsford High School Marching Band To Represent Massachusetts In the 2015 National Independence Day Parade in Washington, D.C.

Representatives of the National Independence Day Parade contacted Chelmsford High School Band’s Director, Matt Sexauer, this week to inform him that the CHS Band has been invited to act as official representatives of Massachusetts in the National Independence Day Parade in Washington, D.C. on July 4, 2015! The ensemble was accepted to participate in this special event based on a nomination from Senator Elizabeth Warren.
 
America's National Independence Day Parade takes place annually on July 4th at 11:45 am in Washington, D.C., on Constitution Avenue from 7th to 17th Street before a street audience of hundreds of thousands of spectators. The Parade consists of invited bands, fife and drum corps, floats, military and specialty units, giant balloons, equestrian, drill teams, VIP's, national dignitaries, and celebrity participants. The Parade is a major national event that seeks to draw the attention of Americans to the real meaning for the holiday. It is a patriotic, flag-waving, red white and blue celebration of America's birthday!

The Parade is co-hosted by the National Park Service and produced by Diversified Events, which is under contract to the National Park Service.
 
Representation from all parts of the United States is the goal of the Parade National Selection Committee. Marching bands are selected on the basis of overall quality, as well as geographical, ethnic and stylistic diversity. It is the annual goal of the parade organizers to have at least one band or unit represent each of the 50 states of the union.
 
When Mr. Sexauer shared the news about the Parade with his students on Friday, the room erupted with excitement, with students cheering and jumping out of their seats. “This is going to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for these students,” commented Fine and Performing Arts Coordinator Christina Whittlesey. “I am so thrilled for these students and proud that they will represent our district and our state at the National Parade.”

For more information on the Chelmsford Public Schools, please visit http://www.chelmsford.k12.ma.us