Courtesy Photo
The BPHS Band members march their way through downtown Dallas, Texas.
Texas, Here We Come
An eyewitness account of the trip.
Over this past winter vacation, the band traveled to Dallas, Texas, to march in and compete in various competitions, which concluded with a performance in the Samsung JACK™ Halftime show at the AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic. However, there was more than just competition on the trip.
After several hours of travel, the band arrived at Six Flags Theme Park and spent several hours riding rides. A short time after leaving the park, they arrived at Crowne Plaza © Suites, the hotel at which the band stayed on the trip.
The following morning, at approximately 9 a.m., the band arrived at another Crowne Plaza Hotel, were they would perform in the concert band competition. The band performed the pieces Northern Legend, Waltz No. 2, and Come Sweet Death. Belle Plaine featured the smallest band in the competition. After returning to the hotel to change, the band left for the House of Blues restaurant for lunch.
Just a few blocks away stood the incredibly informative JFK Memorial Sixth Floor Museum. Upon arrival, the band was led through the maze of various articles and items related to that horrific incident. That evening was spent at the Southfork Ranch. Events of the evening included a dinner followed by a dance/awards ceremony.
On the third day, the band had a three-hour practice in the morning for the Halftime show, followed immediately by the New Year’s Day Parade, which took up the rest of the afternoon. Dinner was served at Medieval Times.
The next morning, the band departed from the hotel one last time and headed straight for another last-minute mass band rehearsal. They then rushed off to the all-new Cowboy’s stadium in Arlington, Texas. Nearly 80,000 spectators were present for the performance.
Altogether, this trip has been a highly memorable one. Despite the hard work, the band truly enjoyed the incredible events of the trip.
