OTHS Marching Panthers living the dream, take part in Tournament of Roses Parade

“Dream. Believe. Achieve” was the theme of this year’s 108th annual Tournament of Roses Parade.

And it could easily describe the O’Fallon Township High School Marching Panthers’ journey the past two years that culminated in a triumphant performance in Pasadena, California, on Saturday, Jan. 1.

The 225 band students, 15 staff members and 10 chaperones have returned home with lasting memories and much gratitude, cheered on by about 300 relatives and friends who also made the trip west — and countless viewers at home.

The Marching Panthers played Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing” and W.C. Handy’s “St. Louis Blues” as they marched the 5.5-mile parade route down Colorado Boulevard as one of the 15 invited bands on New Year’s Day.

Vickie Aiello, president of the OTHS Band Boosters, said she was thrilled about how all the elements came together. Her son, Devin, is a sophomore who plays the snare drum.

“They lived their best life while they were out there,” she said. “It takes an army to do this, and every soldier did their part. I couldn’t be more proud of the team we have. Many people made this happen.”

Aiello took over the top duties six months ago and will serve for another 18 months.

“The Band Boosters are a very passionate group of parents who want to do anything they can to see the band succeed. We support the band in general and the staff in what they need. We have an amazing board of directors who work tirelessly to get things done,” she said.

Besides the logistics, they help with costs for transportation, uniforms, upkeep, music license fees, trip snacks and more.

The Band Boosters also support four concert bands — wind ensemble, which performs at the Illinois Music Education Association All State Conference in January, all chamber ensembles, pep band, musical pit, madrigal brass, flute choir, winter guard, two jazz bands and a jazz combo.

Their annual craft and art fair every autumn is their major fundraiser, and then separate fundraisers took place for the Pasadena trip.

“We’re a well-oiled machine. Everyone knows their job. It magically comes together,” Aiello said.

The Marching Panthers were invited two years ago to be there in 2021 but the COVID-19 pandemic forced the parade’s cancellation. They were asked to return in 2022, and many hands, hearts and minds worked to make this iconic tradition happen.

This was their fourth appearance overall, second under band director Melissa Gustafson-Hinds — aka “Dr. G.” They had to comply with coronavirus public health protocols to participate — proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test.

The Rose Parade described OTHS as having “a long tradition of musical excellence dating back over 70 years, known for its high quality, comprehensive music education. Nearly half of the students’ parents work on the Scott Air Force Base as civilians, military personnel, or are deployed. Their performances include the 70th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, Carnegie Hall, and at the Hollywood Parade (2018).”

‘They took it in stride’

The group — on two charter airplanes and “Big Blue,” the bands’ bus — arrived in California on Dec. 27 and enjoyed some sight-seeing in addition to marching at Disneyland on Dec. 31 and rehearsing for Bandfest, a special event for only select units. However, the preview was canceled because of the weather. (Instead, they went to see “Spider-Man: No Way Home” at a local cinema).

Two straight days of rain didn’t dampen the band’s spirits, even during a downpour on the field.

“They were drenched, but they were all smiles. They took it in stride,” Aiello said.

For the parade rehearsal, different sections took over the parking garage, grand ballroom and were spread out in the hotel, Aiello said.

They worked with a travel company that helped make the trip unforgettable, Aiello said. One evening, Disneyland opened three rides in Cars Land and surprised the O’Fallon contingent with the new Spider-man area — the Web Slingers — at California Adventure. They enjoyed desserts and being together.

Typically, the band becomes like a family. “And each section is its own little family,” Aiello said.

She said chaperones performed their duties “with a smile” and that hotel staff remarked how well-behaved and respectful the students were.

Success after success

The band was successful at competitive events this year. They advanced to the semifinals as one of 30 bands from 118 schools at the Bands of America Grand National Championships in Indianapolis Nov. 11-13, which is considered the country’s premier marching band event.

Their show, “Rewriting Reality,” incorporated music, art, and dance, and used the creative themes of the music and videos to a-ha’s “Take on Me,” a song from 1984. It included Elton John’s “Funeral for a Friend” and music from Cirque du Soleil and composer Aaron Guidry.

They won the band competition in the VP Fair Parade in St. Louis on July 4.

They placed in the finals at the Bands of America St. Louis event Oct. 22-23, ranking ninth (and the only Illinois band to do so). The weekend before, on Oct. 16, they were named the Grand Champion and 3A champion and won for auxiliary, music, visual and general effects at Lincoln-Way. On Oct. 30, they were class and Grand Champions at the Greater St. Louis Marching Band Competition, hosted by the Belleville East and West bands.

Their fifth event was their own Metro East Marching Classic — which raised needed funds through admission, concessions, and gate fees — in September. As hosts, they only performed in an exhibition.

Marching Panthers bring community pride

The band is considered one of the best in the state and the country, and has fostered community pride. The many well-wishes from residents, businesses, officials and families is appreciated, Aiello said.

“The outpouring of support from the community is overwhelming,” she said. “In such divisive times, this is something that brings us all together, the band does that.”

Next up is concert band season, and then the drumline will get back together in February, starting the process all over again. But for now, they can savor special memories that capped off a challenging time.