Clark County Marching Band To March in the 2004 Tournament of Roses Parade

In November 2002, the students of the Clark County R-1 Marching Band received the exciting news that they had been selected to be one of twelve high school bands to appear in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California on January 1, 2004.

In addition to the honor of marching in the parade, the opportunity to travel to Pasadena and the State of California will provide an educational experience that can help them in their future endeavors, no matter what they may be.

The marching band will travel with approximately 175 students. The band represents 47% of the entire school's enrollment (370) and the invitation to the Tournament of Roses Parade has excited not only the students, but all of Clark County as well as the surrounding communities.

The students have begun preparing for the trip, raising funds and preparing for a pre-July 4th concert for the community. There will be several fund-raising events held in the months ahead, to help alleviate the total cost of the trip and to defray a part of the total cost per student. The community has rallied around the band and several donations have been received. Many civic organizations have also committed their time and are helping the students reach their goals. The total estimated cost for the trip will be approximately $1,100 per student.

Who are the Marching Indians?

You will find the home of the Marching Indians in Clark County, Missouri. Located in the northeast corner of the state, the rural county has only 7000 residents. The county seat is Kahoka, with a population of 2000. Clark County R-1 Schools have students residing in the rural communities of Wyaconda, Revere, St. Francisville, Wayland, Alexandria, Luray and St. Patrick. The high school is located in Kahoka and has an enrollment of approximately 370 students. The band has 175 members, 47% of the high school enrollment.

The band has performed in many events over the years, including: Say No To Drugs Parade, Chicago, IL; Indianapolis 500 Parade, Indianapolis, IN; Kentucky Derby Parade (Parade of Champions), Louisville, Kentucky; Orange Bowl Parade, Miami, FL; Missouri Governor's Inauguration Parade, Jefferson City, MO; Fiesta Bowl Parade and Field Show Competition, Phoenix, AZ; receiving numerous awards, the most recent being 2nd Place (of 165 entries judged) at the St. Patrick's Day Parade, New York City, NY.

The band also competes throughout the fall in field show competitions and other local parades. They are not only a marching band that has received numerous awards, but they are most accomplished in the concert area as well, receiving Number One ratings with several students participating in ensembles and solos. All of this accomplished with one director, one assistant, and one auxiliary director. Any student wishing to participate in the band, or music department, is given the opportunity. There are no auditions, the only requirement is to be there and give 100% effort.

The students worked hard raising the necessary funds for this wonderful trip, and it was a fabulous experience! But, before they had time to absorb the New York trip, they received the invitation to march in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California. What an honor for this little band, in this little school, in this small rural community!

The Clark County Marching Indians will be representing Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, and Arkansas, and is one of 12 high school bands chosen to participate in the Tournament of Roses Parade. Fund raising has begun, with the students hoping to raise as much of the $1,100 per student cost as they can, but must also rely on the generosity of others to be able to achieve this wonderful opportunity. It is this generosity that will enable these students to march with gratitude on New Years Day in the Tournament of Roses Parade!

Anyone wishing to donate to the Band Fund, please complete the following information and return to:

C.C.R-1 Band
C.C.R-1 High School.
680 East Main Street
Kahoka, MO 63445

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The Students of the Clark County Marching Indians, their parents and the directors wish to express sincere thanks to those who are donating not only funds, but time and other important resources to make this trip possible. Without the support of others this momentous event would not be possible.