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AMERICAN FORK -- The American Fork High School Marching band took center stage today before a national audience, as they marched in this year's Rose Parade. It's the second time the band has been invited to play in the Rose Parade.
They were invited in 1998, and again this year where they performed two songs: A medley of the Armed Forces, along with 76 trombones from the Music Man.
The Rose Parade is quite long, with seven miles of constant playing, but at home and in Pasadena, parents were thrilled and proud to see their children represent Utah.
Robbie and Gina Jackson and their family gathered around the TV to see their children, senior Brit and Sophomore Kayla, marching with the American Fork band in the 2012 Rose Parade.
"(I am) totally excited. Been waiting all morning for this, all year really, working towards the Rose Parade," Robbie said. "The kids worked so hard - it was exciting to see them."
Some parents made the trip to California to cheer on the band. Rochelle Price documented the band marching in front of a million people, and sent the pictures to KSL.
"It was a valuable experience," said band member Adam Bigler in a phone interview. "It was really long and hard and sweaty. It was really fun and something we are going to remember for a long time."
"It was really cool. It wasn't just American Fork - people were shouting ‘Go Utah!' and things like that. (It was) a different experience for us," said band member Rain Price
Unfortunately for those wishing to see the band on NBC, the network went to a commercial break as the band marched by. It was a network decision and something that was out of KSL TV's control.
But we do have a clip of the band marching, and several pictures above for those who missed out.
Further north, the Tooele High marching band was also invited to attend the Holiday bowl, adding to the number of prestigious events that Utah high school bands continue to get invitations for.
Photos courtesy of Rochelle Price and David Bezzant.
Email:spenrod@ksl.com
