WDBJ7 Roanoke News and Weather NRV Lynchburg Danville | Small, local marching band heads to the 'Big Apple'
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The James River High School band is getting ready to perform in New York City's Veterans Day parade.
"Every time we go to different band events like competitions, people ask where you're from, you're like James River and they're like, 'where's that?'" says student Emily Kettelson.
"I'm a small red neck boy, a country boy, I'm kinda nervous about it, but I'm excited," says drum major Austin Stinnett.Imagine what it would like to perform in front of a crowd of more than 400,000 people.
You'd be pretty nervous, so you can understand how some students from James River High School in Buchanan are feeling right now.
News 7's Justin McLeod tells us how the group plans to honor our nation's veterans in a very prestigious way.
The James River High School band is practicing a lot these days.
They're getting ready to perform in New York City's Veterans Day parade.
"At first I heard from one of the underclassmen, so at first I thought she was kidding around," says James River High School student Chelsea MacCormack.
The students will be showcased in the largest Veterans Day parade in the country.
Many here can't believe they're actually heading to the Big Apple.
"I'm a small red neck boy, a country boy, I'm kinda nervous about it, but I'm excited," says drum major Austin Stinnett.
News7 talked to the parade chairman by phone in New York. He says this is a very selective process that gets a lot of entries, but only 15 high school bands will be picked from across the country.
Not bad when you consider James River is such a small school.
"Every time we go to different band events like competitions, people ask where you're from, you're like James River and they're like, 'where's that?'" says student Emily Kettelson.
They're hoping being on a national stage will change that, but they realize it's going to take a lot of hard work.
"Practice is the key right now. We got to buckle down and get to work," says Stinnett.
Especially because they'll be playing for our veterans.
"Since you know they gave something to us we should be able to give back to them, so I think that's really a good thing," says senior Danielle Young.
"Just to say thank you for all the years that they have served our country and kept us safe," says Kettleson.
It's a message that will be delivered by a small band with a big heart.
