One hundred Northside High School students will travel to New York City to perform in the 265th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 17.

WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — Millions of people across the country will soon see a Central Georgia high school band perform on one of the nation’s most recognizable stages.

The Northside High School Blue Wind Band has been invited to march in the 265th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New York City, performing along Fifth Avenue on March 17. About 100 students will make the trip, with roughly a month left to prepare.

The opportunity reflects years of dedication to the program. 

Senior Mihir Tailor, an alto saxophone player, has been part of the band throughout his high school career. He said the experience has helped shape his time at Northside.

“It’s been really fun and it’s just another way for us to keep practicing and being with the people that we like,” Tailor said. “So I’m very excited myself to perform in that parade and kind of be broadcasted on national television as well.”

The band is currently focused on rehearsals that combine music and movement to prepare for the demands of the lengthy parade route. Students will spend several days in New York, including sightseeing and attending a Broadway show, but the main focus remains the St. Patrick’s Day performance.

Leading the group is drum major Gisleine Cano-Rivera, a senior who said the preparation has been intense.

“We’ve been working on mostly conditioning because it is like extensive,” Cano-Rivera said. “There’s a lot of length to the parade, so we’ve been working on conditioning, marching all together, staying in time.”

Both students said band programs do not always receive the recognition they deserve, despite the impact they can have on students’ personal growth.

“The bonds, like it’s any other sport, you form a family where you’re inseparable,” Cano-Rivera said. “I know with me, it helped me come out of my shell. I was probably one of the shyest kids out here and being in leadership and meeting new kids it helps you come out of your shell and grow into a bigger person.”

Tailor said band participation has helped him grow musically and socially.

“I think band is a great opportunity for all students and it should definitely be more recognized in schools,” he said.

While the March 17 performance is confirmed, the band is still working to raise money for the trip. Donations can be made through the band’s website at nhsbwb.org.

As Northside High School, this week’s School of the Week, counts down the days, rehearsals continue with a national audience now in sight.