Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, September 15, 1994 TAG: 9409150051
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: A-13 VIRGINIA EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: New River Valley bureau
DATELINE: INDEPENDENCE LENGTH: Short
It is the only band in Virginia and one of 17 in the United States to be invited to march in the New Year's Day parade in the Montmartre section of Paris. Generally, only five or six in the country are able to accept, according to Band Boosters President Sandy Venzie.
It would cost about $40,000 to send the 35 students and about 15 adults, including chaperones and band instructors. So far, about $7,000 has been raised.
Venzie said the Paris event is equivalent to this country's Rose Bowl parade. She said the band, directed by Bonnell Young, apparently was invited because of honors won in other band competitions.
``We do travel. We've never gone to Paris, but we've been to New Orleans, Toronto, New York City, Atlanta ... and five years ago, we did go to London,'' she said.
Contributions for the trip are being sought from businesses and civic groups. They can be sent to the Band Department, Grayson County High School, 426 E. Main St., Independence 24348. For more information, call 773-2131.
by CNB