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Blue Springs South High School band to perform in D.C.'s Cherry Blossom Festival Parade

Posted at 11:28 AM, Apr 11, 2018
and last updated 2018-04-12 13:38:09-04

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – When all eyes turn toward the cherry tree blossoms in Washington, D.C. this weekend, they will see the marching band from Blue Springs South High School.

The Jaguar Pride Band will perform in the annual Cherry Blossom Festival Parade Saturday. Band members flew to the nation’s capital early Wednesday morning.

“It's kind of a surreal experience. I've never been able to do a huge parade like this before and to be able to do this with all my friends is so great,” said Nicole Tattershall, a senior flute player and student-conductor. 

The event coordinator asked the band to perform the parade’s grand finale in front of the stage. 

“One thing our band director reminded us of is, it's a privilege more than anything. It's not a right, it's a privilege and we've worked hard for it over the past years. The fact that they recognized us is just amazing,” tuba player Jerry Hill said before boarding the flight to D.C.

While in Washington, the band will visit historical sights, watch the Army band perform, and put on a concert for Air Force veterans. The band director said the trip will be the first time several of the students have flown. 

The D.C.-based news station WJLA will stream the parade live on its website Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. central time. 

The parade will also air on KSHB on Sunday, April 22, at 12:00 p.m.