High School band Portland-bound

The 77-member band had to submit a written application, a videotape of their performance, plus photos of the band, to win a spot as one of 20 marching bands in the parade.

And now, the real work begins.

They’ll need to learn four songs by heart, develop the endurance to play them while marching along a 2.25-mile route, and raise enough money to get to the parade.

And, since the Starlight Parade is the quirky, fun-loving prelude to the more formal Grand Floral Parade, students will also be working on how to illuminate themselves and their instruments – in a way that doesn’t impede their ability to play their instrument.

Drum Major Tai Rogers, a senior, said, “I am a little excited, and I’ve got to admit, I’m a little nervous.”

“I’m excited to see The Dalles represented,” she said.

She’s been the drum major for three years now, “It’s nice as a senior to be able to go.”

Band Director Paul Viemeister said, “This is a great opportunity for the kids. They’re not going to forget this.”

There is also an opportunity for the cheer squad to go to the parade and accompany the band.

Band parent John Westhafer said The Dalles was one of the first new bands to apply for this year’s parade. “It’s a pretty big deal,” he said of the band’s acceptance to perform.

When Viemeister told students Tuesday they’d be in the Starlight Parade, they had typical nonchalant teen reactions. But when Viemeister said they’d be on TV, “then the eyebrows went up.”

They’ll be learning lots more about the trip in coming weeks and months, but they’ve already gotten one solid tip: “You can never have enough lights.”

Viemeister and other band parents want the band to look good while they’re representing The Dalles, and they’re seeking community support to not only help raise money for the trip itself, but also to replace aging equipment, particularly percussion harnesses.

The current harnesses were bought used years ago, and the original padding has worn off. Replacement padding is held in place with a variety of shades of duct tape.

One drummer was actually bruised by his harness during The Dalles Starlight Parade, band parent Molly Rogers said.

The band is also seeking seamstresses who can help tailor the band uniforms. The formal uniforms are in good shape, said Rogers, but they are asking for help to better fit the uniforms to the band members so they look sharp. Interested tailors or seamstresses can call Viemeister at the school, at 541-506-3400 ext. 2508.

While the uniforms are made of wool, temperatures for the evening parade are usually in the 60s, Westhafer said.

Students have been fundraising for the trip all school year, and right now are selling Krispy Kreme donuts. Talk to any band member to place an order.

Tax-deductible donations to help fund the event are welcome. Checks can be made out to “The Band Parents Council” and mailed to The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce, at 404 W. 2nd St., The Dalles. Checks can also be dropped off at the high school, attention to Paul Viemeister.

Between paying for the bus, lodging and meals, it will cost each student about $200 to go to the parade, Rogers said.

Students have already raised about $5,000 for the trip, but they’ll need a total of $9,000 to $12,000, she said.

Not only will they be performing in the parade, which lasts for an hour and a half, but they’ll be performing at Oaks Park earlier that Saturday. They’ll also have a chance to just have fun at the park.

On Sunday, the jazz band — a smaller group of band members — will have an opportunity to perform at the CityFair, an event along the Portland waterfront that is part of the Rose Festival.

It was Viemeister’s idea to apply for the prestige of performing in the Starlight Parade.

The band had been going to the Newport Days Parade for the last three years, where entrants are judged. He felt it was time to seek a larger venue.

While students ran out of gas marching in The Dalles Starlight Parade, they’ll have to build up their endurance for this parade, Veimeister said. They’ll have to do extra practices outside school hours, and may practice at the Wahtonka track, where the lines on the track help them practice formations. They need to keep evenly spaced both side to side, and front to back.

Knowing that they have a big performance coming up will focus the band, Viemeister said. “It creates a lot more importance and detail for the kids, and significance.”