OCTOBER 24, 1980
West Warrior Band Leads Circus Parade to Horizon
Traditionally, an "animal walk" is held when a circus arrives in town from the railroad crossing, where the animals disembark, to the site of the circus. It is an honor that the West Warrior Band was asked to lead this extravaganza.
Mr. Paul Magnusson, the band's director, said, "Maine West should be proud that their own West Warrior Band was chosen to perform in this parade."
The parade stepped off from Wolf and Touhy, taking Touhy to Chestnut, and continuing on Chestnut to the Rosemont Horizon. The route covered approximately 1'/4 miles. But, since the band marched from Maine West to Wolf and Touhy, another half mile was added for the band.
Performing in a parade of this calibre is certainly an honor for the band, though it also entailed a rather unusual moment for them. Mr. Magnusson explained that the band had not been properly informed of the exact route of the parade. When they reached the end of the parade, the band turned into a small parking lot, thinking they would allow the animals behind them to pass.
Unfortunately, the elephants followed the band and ended up joining the last two ranks of the band.
There were many benefits to the band's performance. The most important for the school is the publicity. For the students, a visit to the circus is a benefit that they may enjoy. Each member of the band received two complimentary tickets to opening night of the circus on Wednesday, Oct 22.
The band, under the direction of drum major Andy McCarthy '81, performed the "Maine West Pep Song" and "How the West Was Won."
Each year, the West Warrior Band receives many invitations to perform. These range from local parades such as those held in Des Plaines on Memorial Day and the Fourth of July as well as the Big Ten Homecoming parade held by Northwestern University.
The West Warrior Band's next major event is their First Annual Marching Band Concert. This show will take place on Nov. 7 at 8 p.m. in the Maine West auditorium. At this concert, the West Warrior Band will appear in concert featuring performances by the Flag Corps, Twirling Corps, and the Pom Pon Squad. There is no admission to this event, though a free-will donation will be taken for the band's upcoming trip to Walt Disney World in Florida.