A dream four years in the making

In the two weeks since The Spirit of Lenoir-Rhyne marching band appeared in the 2023 Cherry Blossom Parade in Washington D.C., members of the group shared their thoughts not only on a memorable performance but on the long road to get there.

Originally invited to perform in the 2020 parade, the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the band’s journey to Washington for three years. Biology major Ethan Farkas ’23, said, “I have been waiting to go on this trip since my freshman year – I feel so proud of myself and my fellow bandmates that we were able to accomplish such a feat.”

The march down Constitution Avenue would not have been possible without the ongoing efforts of The Spirit of Lenoir-Rhyne director, Neil Underwood, who also conducts the Lenoir-Rhyne wind symphony and wind ensemble and coaches woodwind chamber ensembles. Looking for an event to bring national exposure to the band, Underwood originally submitted an audition tape of the band performing “Battle Hymn of the Republic” in 2019, which led to their initial invitation to the parade.          

Billed as “the Nation’s Springtime Parade” the parade caps off the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival and is televised nationwide in syndication alongside a live stream online.

Despite the repeated delays, Underwood persisted with his goal to bring the band to the national stage. “It became a goal to not let COVID win. When we were taken out of the parade in 2020 and again in 2021, I was more determined than ever to make it happen,” he said.

When the band lined up at the end of Constitution Avenue at 9:50 a.m. on April 15, it felt like a victory and a dream fulfilled for the students ready to march ten blocks playing “Battle Hymn of the Republic.” Around 11 a.m. the band stepped onto the parade route and into LR history.

“While I was extremely proud of how well the band performed in the parade and on the national stage, I was even more proud of how professionally and maturely the band handled themselves in the pressure of the performance and in the often-stressful situations presented on a trip of this nature,” said Underwood. “I hope that with this exposure and the recognition The Spirit of LR is receiving from this parade, we will have other even larger invitations with possible international experience in the near future.”

Beyond the memorable performance opportunity, the trip to D.C. provided a learning experience about the history of our country and added dimension to the patriotic music the marching band typically plays.

Music education major Mary Slagle ’26 said after visiting the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, “I have learned so much on this trip. It was incredibly moving to see the Star-Spangled Banner that our national anthem is based upon.”

At Arlington National Cemetery, members went on a tram tour of the cemetery, learning about the history of who was buried there and experiencing the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Music performance major Victoria Serb ’26 said, “It was awe-inspiring. To see the respect that is given to those who have fallen is phenomenal and makes me extremely proud to reflect on what has been lost.”

Members of the band hope to return to Washington and are already considering their options for their next parade performance location. Music education major Chloe Gendron ’24 shared, “I would absolutely do a trip with this band again. It was a great time with so many great people.”