Fort Collins, Colo. – Nearly two years in the making, the Colorado State University Marching Band’s much anticipated trip to Dublin, Ireland for the 2013 St. Patrick’s Festival is here! In 2011 the band accepted an invitation to march in the annual parade and will perform alongside a diverse display of creative talent as the national St. Patrick’s Festival Parade proceeds through Dublin’s city center, with over 650,000 people lining the streets.
“What an absolutely exciting opportunity,” said director Richard Frey of the trip. “We are thrilled to be the public face of CSU, Colorado, and the United States, all the way over in Dublin.”
225 students from the 300 member CSU Marching Band depart from Denver International Airport on March 13 and March 14, returning by March 22. In addition to the parade and several days in Dublin, the itinerary includes a performance at Kilkenny Castle, a visit to Blarney Castle and the Cliffs of Moher, and time in Limerick and Galway.
“This is an opportunity of a lifetime,” notes senior drum major Luke Contreras. “Being able to represent the Green and Gold in Ireland has the entire ensemble excited, and is a testament to over 110 amazing years of music and marching by the CSU Marching Band.”
The band is being given a very special bon voyage, with several surprises planned; the send-off takes place on Monday, March 11, 5 p.m. in the Instrumental Rehearsal Hall, at the University Center for the Arts, located at 1400 Remington St. Following the ceremony, a 6 p.m., the CSU Marching Band will give a preview performance, marching around the perimeter of the University Center for the Arts. Friends, family, the campus and Fort Collins communities are invited to the farewell activities.
Drum major Devon Aimes adds a sentiment felt by much of the band. “This trip is a chance to expand my horizons and deepen my connections with the band and with others around the world.”
Family and fans can stay connected to the band throughout the trip! Follow our blog at www.bands.colostate.edu or on facebook at CSUMBand.
For those wishing to watch the parade, the Ireland national broadcast will stream live at 12 noon local time (6 a.m. MST) at www.rte.ie/player/ie/, or download the Festival ap and watch on your smartphone.
The 2013 March to Dublin has been made possible by the backing of hundreds of generous donors with a lead gift from long-time supporter of the band, Jackie Erickson.
To cover an unexpected increase in the costs associated with transporting large instruments, donations to the 2013 March to Dublin are still being accepted. For more information, please visit www.bands.colostate.edu or contact Jonathan Clifton at jonathan.clifton@colostate.edu or (970) 491-5120.