Brewster Marching Band Preps for 3 Events in Ireland

Around 7 p.m. Thursday, 91 Bears, and all their instruments, will have boarded a plane bound for Dublin, Ireland. 

Those students will be making Brewster High School history, as the marching band—which, in recent years, has performed all over the country, including at the New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade—performs at three events in the country. 

"They're good at this," George Viglucci, band director and performing arts coordinator said. "We're used to big events, big crowds."

First up on the agenda is playing in front of the lord mayor of Dublin's mansion, an event that coincides with a 5K in the city. The next day is the parade, and after that the group will head over to Limerick for an International Band Championship.

A handful of other high school bands from the US will be marching in the parade. The FDNY EMS Pipe & Drum Band and a few groups from American universities, including Purdue, will be there, too.

"Ireland’s leading pageant companies and marching bands from around the world will make the streets come alive in spectacular style on 17th March," the parade's website states.

The Bears were busy practicing and polishing their parade moves at the high school track Wednesday evening. They made do without some equipment, including a banner and drums, that was already packed.

"It's the only thing I'm nervous about," Viglucci said, adding that he's done traveling with bands on buses, never before on a plane and that he'll be glad once everyone, and everything, is boarded. "I'm totally confident in the kids."

The kids are confident in themselves, too. Lots of laughs could be heard during their last practice at home [see the video at right for student reaction]. Viglucci said there was a lot of anticipation and excitement, especially because for many kids, Thursday will be the first time they hop on a plane.

"They're very bubbly," their director said with a smile. "...It's a great honor. The community seems very proud."

Tuesday morning the group is slated to return home.