Bands 2012

Marching Bands 2012

Marching ensembles from around the globe will provide the musical score for the festival parade on March 17th 2012. 

Bands from Ireland, Northern Ireland, the United Kingdom and Russia will join U.S. bands from California, Georgia, Indiana, Missouri, North Carolina, Texas and Washington to march through the streets of the capital.

Marching Bands Performing in the 2012 Festival Parade

The White Russian Central Band (Russia)

One of the finest musical ensembles in the world, the White Russian Central Band (formerly the Red Army Band). The Central Band of the White Russian Army was formed in 1950 as the Belarussian Military District Headquarters Band.  Through its quality of performance and immaculate dress and precision, the band has built a reputation as being one of the finest military ensembles in the world today. 

The White Russian Central Band will be performing as part of the Russian Spectacular show in The Helix on Monday 19th March.

Shorecrest Highlander Marching Band, Washington (USA)

The Shorecrest Highlander Marching Band from Washington, USA consists of over 100 musicians accompanied by bagpipes, Highland Dancers and Flags.  Shorecrest is unique among American high schools in that it boasts a bagpipe band.  The band members are proud to wear a traditional kilt and uniform. Over the school’s 50-year history, the band has won many prestigious awards. On their last visit to the St. Patrick’s Festival Parade in 2008, the band received honors as the Best Youth Band.

Marvin Ridge High School Band, North Carolina (USA)

The Marvin Ridge Band Program is among the finest to be found in the Southeast.  The “Marching Mavericks” is the most visible and active band in the band program and is a voluntary ensemble.  The group participates in local parades, school pep rallies, football games and adjudicated marching band festivals and competitions.  Membership in the marching band, while voluntary, is based on musicianship, marching ability and cooperation.

Clondalkin Youth Band, Dublin (Ireland)

Founded by and under the expert guidance of Director Mr. Vincent Dolan, over 160 students learn music through the Clondalkin Youth Band. They are a World class Marching Band and one of the largest in Ireland. They have travelled extensively throughout England, Europe and the USA winning major awards at European Championships. They were awarded a gold standard at the World Marching Championships in Kerkrade Holland.

John F. Kennedy High School (Shamrock Regiment), California (USA)

The Shamrock regiment is considered one of the largest and most respectable high school bands in all of Southern California.  They have earned numerous sweepstakes awards at marching band competitions in recent years.  They have also received numerous Superior ratings at local and regional Band and Orchestra Festivals.  The John F. Kennedy High School Band was selected to participate in the Opening Ceremonies of the Sydney Olympics in 2000.

Berkner Bandolera Drill Team, Texas (USA)

The Bandoleras are recognized as the pride of Berkner High School.  The Bandoleras reside deep in the heart of Texas and have been performing their traditional high kicks and jump splits for over forty years!  They are an elite group of dancers who promote school spirit while entertaining the audience with their outstanding performances.  The Bandoleras have performed in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City three times and have won numerous awards.

Romford Drum & Trumpet Corps (UK)

The Romford Drum & Trumpet Corps is a youth military style band, based in the London Borough of Havering.  It is one of the oldest independent youth marching bands in the UK.  The band has performed at prestigious venues such as the Royal Albert Hall, Wembley Stadium, St Paul’s Cathedral and Buckingham Palace.  It has won the National Championships on seven occasions. In recent years the band has recorded a charity single with Roger Daltrey from The Who, and appeared at the MTV awards.

Permian High School, Texas (USA)

Since Permian High School opened its doors fifty years ago, the band has earned a national reputation for excellence by earning consecutive Sweepstakes Awards in University Scholastic League and all other contests that they have entered.  The Marching Band has marched at nationally televised football games in Dallas and Los Angeles.  In addition, the band has won numerous awards at state and national contests and festivals. 

Notre Dame, Indiana (USA)

The University of Notre Dame Band is the oldest college band (in continuous existence) in the United States.  The Band of the Fighting Irish has a long tradition of providing music and pageantry for the Notre Dame football games.  The Band has also been on hand to witness many highs and lows in American history. It played at the University’s Main Circle as students left to join the armies both North and South during the Civil War.  They have played around the U.S. and around the world for countless concerts, graduations, civic functions, bowl games, parades, athletic contests and many national championships.

Tri-County Marching Cavaliers Band, Indiana (USA)

The Tri-County Marching Cavaliers are a school marching band from Wolcott, Indiana.  The Marching Cavaliers keep a busy schedule and are active performers in the school and in the community.  The band performs at all home basketball and football games throughout the school year, as well as many other special events.  The Marching Cavaliers also have a very active competition schedule throughout the year.  They have made multiple appearances in the ISSMA State Marching Band Finals in past years.

Wildcats Marching Band, Georgia (USA)

Whitewater High School opened in the fall of 2003 in Fayette County, Georgia.  Under the direction of Mr. Jack Jean and Mr. Robert Truan, the band program has grown to accommodate over 160 students; providing three levels of performing Concert Bands.  The Wildcat Marching Band consistently receives Superior Ratings and awards and has earned five Grand Championship wins in the past five years.

University of Missouri, Missouri (USA)

Marching Mizzou, also known as the “Big ‘M’ of the Midwest,” has a long and distinguished history built on tradition, innovation, and commitment. From its modest beginnings in 1885 as a 12-member cadet band, today’s Mizzou Bands boast the participation of more than 400 students.  Marching Mizzou is well known for the unmatched excellence of its musical performances along with a marching style that is quick moving and entertaining.