Carson High School’s Blue Thunder Band to perform in Chicago’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Submitted by Kelsey Penrose on Fri, 11/08/2024 - 9:34am
The Carson High School Blue Thunder Band will perform in Chicago for the Thanksgiving Day Parade this year.
You may have seen this great band earnestly marching during the Nevada Day parade along Carson Street. They gave an award-winning performance then, followed by earning first place at the Damonte Invitational last weekend which gave them the coveted spot to perform before thousands while showing off their winning style at the historic 90th Chicago Thanksgiving Parade.
Want to wish them well? How about sending a donation to cover their travel expenses! Donations may be made online https://verticalraise.com/fundraiser/2024-blue-thunder-marching-band-goe.... The goal is $20,000 of which over $12,000 has already been donated.
The parade will be aired live on Pluto TV, Paramount’s free streaming service: https://pluto.tv/us/live-tv/613260e4bdb71c00070d63fa
CONGRATULATIONS CARSON HIGH BLUE THUNDER BAND!
Make us proud!
Additional information from Carson City School District:
Celebrating two first-place finishes and other trophies from the Damonte Ranch Marching Band Invitational in Reno last weekend, the Carson High School Blue Thunder Band will extend the marching season and continue to showcase their talents before thousands of spectators and millions of television views at the historic Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade, the second-largest Thanksgiving parade in the country, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024.
Selected from a competitive pool of applicants, the Carson High Blue Thunder Marching Band’s participation highlights their outstanding musicianship, dedication and community spirit. They will march along Chicago’s famous State Street, performing crowd-pleasing numbers under the direction of Carson High School’s Band Director Nick Jacques.
“It’s an incredible honor for our students to participate in one of the nation’s largest and most prestigious Thanksgiving parades,” Jacques said. “This opportunity reflects their hard work and passion for music, and we’re thrilled to represent our school and community on such a prominent stage.”
Celebrating its 90th anniversary and a Chicago tradition since 1934, the parade attracts bands, floats, dance troupes and entertainers from across the country. This year, the parade will be aired live on Pluto TV, Paramount’s free streaming service, for families who wish to spectate from home.
The Carson High Blue Thunder Marching Band has been preparing extensively, rehearsing their music and choreography to bring a high-energy, memorable performance to the parade. The ensemble will perform a selection of music chosen to capture the spirit of the Thanksgiving holiday and showcase their diverse musical talent.
Before they focus on Chicago, the team will prepare for their final marching season performance at the Sierra Band Crusade (northern Nevada Championships) happening Saturday, Nov. 9, at Mackay Stadium at the University of Nevada, Reno. Following championships, students will also audition for Honors Band Tuesday, Nov. 12, before they really tune in on their Thanksgiving Day performance.
Although the recent accolades and prestigious invitation to march in Chicago is a remarkable honor for the band, its students and the community, it comes with a unique challenge: raising funds to make the trip possible. To cover travel, lodging, and performance-related expenses, the band is aiming to raise $20,000. They have already raised more than $12,400 but are inviting individuals and corporations to help sponsor contributions to assist with student travel fees. Additional money will also assist in the purchase of new marching band uniforms for next year.
Donations may be made until Tuesday, Nov. 12, to the band booster club directly online. Corporate sponsorships are also welcome, with opportunities for local businesses to partner with the band and receive recognition for their support.
