Northside High School’s Blue Wind band to perform in annual St. Patrick’s Day parade in New York City

WARNER ROBINS — The luck of the Irish is on the Northside High School Blue Wind Band’s side as they are set to perform at the 265th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New York City. 

Director of Bands Chuck Herron said they are counting down the days and there is excitement in the air. 

“We are ready to go. We are just really looking forward to the wonderful experience of going to New York, marching in the parade, sightseeing and all the fun stuff,” he said. 

This is the first time the band will be in the parade since Herron has been its director, he said. This year, he aimed to put band students on a national stage. 

Herron said fellow band directors raved about their experience in the St. Patrick’s Day parade. After hearing the great reviews, he decided to apply for his students to have the same unforgettable experience. 

“I applied, we got accepted and the rest is history. We were just excited,” he said. 

The parade is the oldest and largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the world. To prepare for the two-mile walk, the students have been conditioning. 

Since the end of the marching season, Herron has taken them to the track multiple times a week to walk up to three miles. He also shared that they have been getting used to the cold weather, since the temperature is cooler in the Big Apple. 

Herron said the past few weeks of cold weather have prepared them to handle the temperatures. 

“We’ve gone out, we’ve bundled up, did our miles and come in and warmed up. It’s been good for us,” he said. 

On the music side, they have been rehearsing an arrangement of an Irish folk song called “Oh, Danny Boy.” Herron is also thinking about adding another song to tie into the holiday. 

He shared that the Houston County community has been wonderful and supportive in wishing them extra luck. People have been making donations to help the band. Thanks to their financial support, students who could not afford to go on the trip are now able to perform alongside their classmates. Herron said local businesses have also reached out to sponsor the band. 

Right now, their biggest financial need is being able to get their band equipment to New York, Herron shared. 

“Any and all help is greatly appreciated,” he said. 

While in New York, the band will take the opportunity to cross off some items on their bucket list. 

Herron said students are looking forward to watching Wicked on Broadway. He will also be taking students to the “Top of the Rock,” the top floor of Rockefeller Center, where they can see the city’s skyline. 

A few years ago, during a previous concert trip, Herron took his students to the same destination, and he looks forward to sharing that experience with another group. 

The students have also talked about getting on the Today Show and are preparing posters to make it on screen again. Herron shared that they have made an itinerary and mapped out all the shops they want to visit during their time in the city. 

The Blue Wind Band will fly high and stay lucky while in New York City. Herron finally added: 

“It’s great to be a Northside Eagle!” 

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be on Tuesday, March 17, starting at 11 a.m. The parade will be televised on NBC. To watch the parade, stay up to date on live coverage here. 

Anyone interested in donating to the Blue Wind Band is encouraged to visit their website.