By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Union City, Tenn.–Union City High School band members ushered in 2023 in style.
The ‘Purple People’ marched in Orlando at Disney World on Jan. 4, entertaining thousands of cheering onlookers with a performance that has become a trademark of the widely-celebrated program.
UC claimed a prime slot with its nighttime Magic Kingdom marching exhibition and, as usual, drew rave reviews.
“There were people clapping and yelling for us, and many of them didn’t even know who we were or where we were from,” veteran Tornado band direction Jason Deem said. “To hear them announce our name over the loudspeakers around the many castles was both special and rewarding for everyone involved.”
The Florida trip was the latest excursion for the UCHS band, which takes such a trip every four years as a reward for hard work and dedication and is the culmination of several community fundraisers. This year’s travel party consisted of 157 band members and parents, and the band itself made the 15-hour journey via three chartered buses.
Previous such showcase trips have been taken to California (Rose Bowl Parade), Arizona (Fiesta Bowl Parade), Hawaii, New York City and Orlando.
Union City was selected for this year’s Magic Kingdom honor after submitting a video of both its marching and parade performances. Typically, only one band per day marches on the Disney grounds.
“There’s a different skill set used to march in a venue like that,” Deem claimed. “We have experience because we’ve marched in our own Christmas parade, but it’s so much different from a halftime performance at a football game or band competition.
“But, once again, our kids rose to the challenge. Almost immediately after our contest season was over, they began practicing for this. Every day that we could, we were outside preparing. We practiced during the Christmas break and several other times when we normally would not have at this time of the year.”
Band members were rewarded with three days at Disney and two more at Universal Studios in addition to the marching exhibition.
“This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for so many of our kids who likely wouldn’t ever have the opportunity if it wasn’t for our band and those who support it,” Deem added. “They were thrilled with the theme parks and all they offered, but watching their faces light up when they performed and having people cheer them on was something special, too.
“It was something none of us will ever forget.”
Deem was gracious in his appreciation to everyone who made the experience happen.
“I don’t know of anyone who has the administration and community support that we do,” he concluded. “School-wise, from our Director of Schools (Wes Kennedy) to our Assistant Director (Michael Paul Miller) to our high school principal (Jacob Cross), they are all so good to allow our kids these kinds of opportunities that not everyone has.
“It’s just another reason why Union City Schools is a special place.”