Cypress High School Marching Band Director James Quirion had tried several times to his Imperial Brigade into the annual New Year’s Day festive celebration better known as the Rose Parade. He and his band had no luck going through the regular route.
In order to get the prestigious event Quirion and the Cypress High band would have to do it the hard way. Well, the best way they know how: they competed. And they did their way. Quirion took his band to the 2013 Los Angeles County Fair Marching Band Competition where they went up against more than 40 other schools.
The Centurions wound up winning the top prize of $5,000 and earned a slot to the 2015 Rose Parade.
“We fought for it,” Quirion said. “The kids were so excited, they were so proud. It’s wonderful for the kids. It’s our coming out party.”
After the joy comes the challenge. The challenge now for Quirion and Cypress is to come up with about $100,000 so they can be ready to perform on New Year’s Day. To replace the antiquated drum equipment alone will cost roughly $18,000, said Quirion.
Out biggest challenge is our instruments,” Quirion said. “It’s old.”
To help make up for the costs for updated uniforms, new equipment and road travel, Quirion, the Cypress band and the school will be hosting a fundraiser on Tuesday, April 22. This day will be more than a effort to raise money; it will also be an introduction of sorts for the Cypress community to meet and greet representatives from the Tournament of Roses.
Tuesday will be a big day for Cypress High School. It will also mark a special occasion for the Cypress marching band as the president from the Tournament of Roses makes an official visit to the school.
Tournament of Roses President Richard L. Chinen will make his appearance to formally congratulate the Cypress High marching band for being accepted to play in the 2015 Rose Parade. This is expected to be an all-day affair as the school will be welcoming Chinen with a full-blown activity session in the Cypress gym in the morning with balloons, confetti and the works.
Later that evening, Chinen, school officials, sponsors and other dignitaries will make their way to the Eagles Nest Clubhouse at the Navy Golf Course. The event, which costs $75 per ticket, is a kickoff gala fundraiser for the school and the band.
