ISU band traveling to Ireland for original St. Patrick’s Day parade

Posted on March 13, 2017

 

The Illinois State University marching band showcases its talent on Friday in Dublin’s St. Patrick’s Day parade. (Photo courtesy Facebook/ISU Big Red Marching Machine)

By Greg Halbleib

NORMAL – A group of Illinois State University students has chosen to spend spring break not on a beach, but in an event known worldwide.

The Redbird marching band travels tomorrow to Dublin, Ireland to participate in the original St/ Patrick’s Day parade on Friday. Band director Gavin Smith said that’s not the only place they’ll play.

“We’re performing a pep rally-type setting outside the Guinness brew house, some ensembles are performing inside the St. Patrick’s Cathedral, then we are marching in the St. Patrick’s Day parade and competing in the Limerick international marching band competition,” Smith told WJBC’s Marc Strauss.

Smith said the band is allowed to choose its music, but is encouraged to stay away from Irish tunes because the residents want to hear what the groups normally play.

“The drum line will cadence, then we’ll play the fight song, ‘Hey Baby’, ‘Buttercup’ and a song from Panic at the Disco called ‘Victorious,'” Smith said.

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