Cape Henlopen band performs at area holiday celebrations
The Cape Henlopen High School band performed throughout the area for local holiday celebrations. Over the past several weeks, the band maintained a rigorous extracurricular schedule which included performing in three parades and a jazz band concert in five days.
The Cape Henlopen High School band opened the parade circuit Dec. 1 by performing in the Rehoboth Christmas Parade where they received a first-place award for band performance and the overall Judge’s Choice Award.
The band performed Dec. 2 at the Milton Christmas Parade where they were joined by other local bands including Sussex Central and Sussex Technical High School. The CHHS band was again awarded first place by judges from the prestigious National Judge’s Association Tournament of Bands.
The Jazz Band performed on Second Street in Lewes for Hospitality Night Dec. 3, while two nights later the entire band played at the Lewes Christmas Parade where they again garnered a first-place win.
During these performances, the CHHS band debuted the newly refurbished band trailer. Drum Major Morgan Hurlock says, "Every year, members of the marching band look forward to performing in these parades. They are an exciting way to entertain the community. The band is proud to bring Santa in with a bang! We are thankful for all of the organizers that make these events possible, and look forward to participating next year."
Assistant Drum Major Erin Gallagher says, “As a band, we love to give back to the people in our community by playing in these parades. We really enjoy playing for the public and seeing everyone’s positive responses. It’s really gratifying to know that people appreciate the work we do.”
Band Director Chris Burkhart says, “The students are really proud to serve their communities at these events, and I’m thankful that we have great kids that are willing to make the time to do this in addition to homework, audition preparations, college applications, extracurricular activities and sports. We’re all especially grateful to the parade organizers, fire departments and townships for supporting these students and the band program at Cape."
