MCRD Parris Island -- The Parris Island Marine Band visited Louisville, Ky., to take part in different events leading up to the 133rd Kentucky Derby April 31 to May 6.
"This was the first time that the Parris Island band had an opportunity to participate in events that had anything to do with the Derby," said Staff Sgt. James M. Stanley, musician placement director, 4th Marine Corps District. "These events served as a good opportunity for some people to see Marines for the first time."
While in Louisville, the band marched in the Pegasus Parade, the founding event for the Kentucky Derby.
"We had a great turnout at the parade," said Sgt. Kevin J. Griggs, percussionist, Parris Island Marine Band. "Despite not having perfect weather, there was still a great turnout of people who came to the parade."
The Parris Island Marine Band combo ensemble also played an outdoor concert for the Chow Wagon at the Waterfront Park event, the bandsmen mingled with the crowd and acted as a roving concert for the spectators.
"This event was a nice change for the band," said Griggs. "We had the chance to walk around and interact with the people instead of just marching around."
The band also played during the annual Kentucky Derby Athletic Hall of Fame ceremony, where the 1973 Triple Crown winner, Secretariat, became the first ever four-legged inductee.
"It was a great opportunity to have Marines play at an event like this one," said Stanley. "There were many famous people at the ceremony, and it gave Marines a chance to be around the influencers who come to these important events."
Aside from playing at all the events leading up to the Kentucky Derby, the band paid a visit to the Dupont Manual High School's Youth Performing Arts School, an advanced school for students looking to specialize in performing arts careers.
"The [Youth Performing Arts School] is known as a limited access school for Marine Corps recruiters," said Stanley. "It's very good that Marines [were] allowed to go in and give a concert to students who might have found it interesting and might consider joining a Marine Band."
"All these events were a great opportunity for the band to play for audiences who have never experienced the Marine Corps before," continued Stanley.
According to Stanley, this was a very successful trip for the band, because it gave Marines a chance to show people a different aspect of the Marine Corps other than what they are used to seeing in advertisement.
"After a great turnout of events the [Parris Island Marine Corps Band] has been invited to come back and play for other schools on our next visit," concluded Stanley. "Most schools are closed during Derby week are making plans to ensure we come back on a time when all the schools are open."