On Nov. 11, the W.T. Clarke High School Rams Marching Band performed at the annual New York City Veterans Day Parade.
There was excitement in the air as the band warmed up and prepared in Madison Square Park. Upon starting the band, the band snapped to attention, shouting “Rams”, the words echoing off the surrounding skyscrapers. The city’s annual parade is the largest Veterans Day commemoration in the country. The Rams were among the 20,000 marchers who proceeded up New York City's Fifth Avenue in Manhattan to honor the men and women who served our nation. The students marched with precision to their drum cadences and played tunes including Navy Blue and Gold by Crosley/Yoder, as well as a New York Medley arranged by Key Poulan commissioned specifically for the Rams Band. Tunes included were “New York, New York” by Frank Sinatra, “New York State of Mind” by Billy Joel, and “Empire State of Mind” by Jay-Z and Alicia Keys. On the red carpet, next to the grandstand, the band had a featured performance on Channel 7 WABC. Other marching groups included military units, police, recruitment units, and other high school and college marching bands.
“The students represented our school and community with pride, professional, and enthusiasm,” said Marching Band Director Molly Tittler-Ingoglia. “We couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful, special day or venue. I am so proud to have participated in this event where we honored our veterans with dignity. The students were so excited to see the great turn out of crowds on the sides of the street, march past the Empire State Building, and hear our Clarke families cheering for them. It was such a positive and special performance!”
Additionally, the Rams wore green ribbons on their uniforms in support of the Farmingdale Marching Band. Other staff for the Rams Band include Assistant Director Eric Volaski, Color Guard Instructor Nicole Rode, Color Guard Consultant Jenna Goldstein, Percussion Instructor Steven Blutman, W.T. Clarke Music Chairperson Michelle Shmuel, and Director of Music and Art, Kelly Nixon.
The East Meadow School District commends the Rams Marching Band on their amazing performance at the city’s Veterans Day Parade.
