Unionville, Kennett honor bands picked to march in Rose Parade

KENNETT SQUARE » The old saying that ‘lightning never strikes the same place twice’ is a myth the Cavalcade of Bands Honor Band is happy to disprove.

Invited to march in the 126th Rose Parade in Pasadena, California in 2015, directors of the organization thought they had scored the trip of a lifetime for both themselves and their students. Now, only four years later, they are beyond excited to be able to offer a new group of students this once-in-a-lifetime experience. The Honor Band is one of just 20 marching bands to be selected to participate alongside elaborate floats and graceful equestrian units in the historic 130th Rose Parade on Jan. 1, 2019.

A diverse group of talented musicians representing the best of Chester County and other Mid-Atlantic high school bands, with approximately 90 students expected to represent both the Unionville High School and Kennett High School Marching Bands, these students exemplify the positive impact music education has on young adults. They have made an incredible commitment of both time and resources that will be rewarded in January on a national stage.

The cost to outfit, transport, house, and feed such a large group is staggering. The parents of participating students in the Kennett and Unionville school districts have formed the Kennett-Unionville Band Boosters (KUBB), to fundraise within our community to help offset the cost of the trip for each individual family.

The first fundraiser took place d at The Market at Liberty Place in Kennett Square on Tuesday, April 3, and then the first Tuesday of each month for the rest of 2018. Whether you dine in, grab some take out, or

pick up your own organic ingredients, there is something for every member of the family to enjoy at The Market at Liberty Place. KUBB will receive 15 percent of the sales on each of these Tuesdays. Come out and support a great cause while enjoying a pleasant night out with your neighbors.

The Cavalcade of Bands is one of many competitive band organizations in the United States and is one of several major circuits in the mid-Atlantic states. Cavalcade was founded in 1958 by the members of the Mid- Atlantic Judges Association and its member high schools. The organization currently has more than 145 member schools.