Although the marching band season officially ended, the band still had one last performance to look forward to; the highly anticipated Mount Clemens Parade.
On a chilly Saturday morning, bands from all over the area gathered, ready to showcase their talent and energy. The Utica High School band arrived at the band room at Utica 7 a.m. to practice and prepare for the day. Despite the cold, everyone was excited. By 9 a.m., the band members boarded buses and headed to Mount Clemens High School for final preparations before the big event.
“It was cold, but it was worth it,” senior Glovanni Ricciuti said. “This was my last time marching with the band, so I was determined to make the most of it.”
By 10 a.m., the band arrived at Mount Clemens High School.
“We got there an hour early,” junior Alia Terracciano said. “We were still the last band to march.”
Even though they had some waiting time, the excitement kept building. At 11 a.m., the parade began with lots of energy. Bands marched down the streets, showcasing their skills and school pride to a cheering crowd. The parade lasted for two hours, and the Utica band gave it their all, making sure to leave a lasting impression as they made their way through the heart of the city.
When the parade ended, the band climbed back on the buses, ready to head home. But the day wasn’t over yet. Every year, a special tradition takes place. A raffle is held, and the winner gets the band to perform right outside their house. This year, the lucky winners were Joel and Jade Burnham. The band traveled to their neighborhood, filling the street with music as the Burnham family watched the performance in their front yard. The Burnhams also treated the band members to food and refreshments.
“It was a great way to end a long day,” senior Alexandria Jersey said. “I enjoyed the treats the Burnham family gave us. It was the perfect way to wrap up an unforgettable parade.”
After the performance, the band packed up their instruments and got back on the buses. The excitement from the day lingered as they talked about the parade. The ride back to Utica was filled with tired smiles and happy exhaustion as the musicians reflected on the day.
Once they arrived back at Utica High School, the band gathered in the band room, feeling accomplished. Band director Brett Bays took a moment to thank everyone for their hard work throughout the day. He especially recognized the seniors, many of whom had been part of the band for years. This parade marked their final performance with the marching band, making it an emotional moment.
The seniors exchanged looks as Mr. Bays spoke, realizing the significance of the day. It wasn’t just another parade. It was the culmination of years of dedication, practice, and teamwork. They had put in countless hours of hard work, and this final performance was a reflection of all they had achieved together.
The respect they had earned from their peers, the pride they felt in their success, and the friendships they had made would stay with them long after high school. As they stood together in the band room, it was clear that this performance wasn’t just an end—it was a celebration of everything the Utica High School Band had accomplished.
