The Big Red Marching Band performed in the third National Veterans Day Parade in Washington, D.C. on Nov. 9, becoming the first high school band in West Virginia to do so. The band marched down Constitution Avenue while veterans lined the street. 

“It is always a good feeling to be in something like that,” Band Director Dan White said. “Seeing all the veterans on the side, seeing people from different walks of life, just know(ing) that they get to hear you and get to see you.”

The band also performed on the National Mall, in front of the Washington Monument.

Despite this, alto saxophone player Ace Oldham found the parade to be the best part of the trip. 

“It was fun just being able to do something that big for not only the band, but for the veterans,” Oldham said. 

Next, the band will hold a concert on Dec. 4 in the auditorium at 7 p.m. following the annual tree lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. Admissions are free.