The Central York Middle School Colonial Fife and Drum Corps is gearing up to perform in two parades in Philadelphia as part of the Wawa Welcome America celebration, commemorating the nation’s 250th birthday. “It’s a big event, and I’m really excited to play for so many people,” said Molly DeMent, a member of the band. The Fife and Drum Corps is tuning up for the special celebration, with students excited to take part in the milestone event. “It’s just like energy is going to bounce off of everywhere,” said Samantha Wingerd, a York County native and alumna of the band. Wingerd, now a college student, is returning to perform and make up for lost time after the pandemic disrupted her experience in seventh grade. “When I was in seventh grade was when COVID hit, so it messed up the whole experience. I was invited back, and my class was invited an extra year to get that experience,” Wingerd said. In addition to performing, Wingerd is taking on the role of instructor for the band. “I don’t know how to describe it, but it makes me feel good inside. So it’s really great when you see new fifers, you can see the moment it clicks for them, and they are so happy about it and excited, and it feels so good,” she said. Despite the high temperatures expected during the parades, the band is confident in their preparation. “Practice is like brutal out in the heat, walking around playing an instrument,” DeMent said. Rick Worley, the retiring band director, said the group is ready for the challenge. “They’re solid and ready to go,” Worley said. “We have cooling towels, lots of water, lots of Gatorade. So we’re prepared for the heat, but we’re in pretty good shape.” Worley, who remembers the nation’s bicentennial as a special moment, hopes the students will cherish this unique experience. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I want them to have fun in Philadelphia and enjoy the moment and be able to someday look back, ‘I marched in this huge 250th America festival and parade,’ and want them to have a great experience,” Worley said. The band will perform in two parades in Philadelphia, one on Thursday at 11 a.m. and another on Friday at noon, both part of the Wawa Welcome America celebration.

YORK, Pa. —

The Central York Middle School Colonial Fife and Drum Corps is gearing up to perform in two parades in Philadelphia as part of the Wawa Welcome America celebration, commemorating the nation’s 250th birthday.

“It’s a big event, and I’m really excited to play for so many people,” said Molly DeMent, a member of the band.

The Fife and Drum Corps is tuning up for the special celebration, with students excited to take part in the milestone event.

“It’s just like energy is going to bounce off of everywhere,” said Samantha Wingerd, a York County native and alumna of the band.

Wingerd, now a college student, is returning to perform and make up for lost time after the pandemic disrupted her experience in seventh grade.

“When I was in seventh grade was when COVID hit, so it messed up the whole experience. I was invited back, and my class was invited an extra year to get that experience,” Wingerd said.

In addition to performing, Wingerd is taking on the role of instructor for the band.

“I don’t know how to describe it, but it makes me feel good inside. So it’s really great when you see new fifers, you can see the moment it clicks for them, and they are so happy about it and excited, and it feels so good,” she said.

Despite the high temperatures expected during the parades, the band is confident in their preparation.

“Practice is like brutal out in the heat, walking around playing an instrument,” DeMent said.

Rick Worley, the retiring band director, said the group is ready for the challenge.

“They’re solid and ready to go,” Worley said. “We have cooling towels, lots of water, lots of Gatorade. So we’re prepared for the heat, but we’re in pretty good shape.”

Worley, who remembers the nation’s bicentennial as a special moment, hopes the students will cherish this unique experience.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I want them to have fun in Philadelphia and enjoy the moment and be able to someday look back, ‘I marched in this huge 250th America festival and parade,’ and want them to have a great experience,” Worley said.

The band will perform in two parades in Philadelphia, one on Thursday at 11 a.m. and another on Friday at noon, both part of the Wawa Welcome America celebration.