By: David Waterman
After a 5-year hiatus, McNicholas students have rejoined the ranks of schools participating in the Cincinnati Reds Opening Day Parade. On April 3, the Marching Band, the Dance Team, and the Cheerleaders all participated in the 98th Findlay Market Opening Day Parade.
“We used to do this all the time, but then it started falling on spring break,” Band Director Keith Nance said. “None of the [students] currently in band have ever been in it.” The parade started at noon, and McNick students began performing at 1:45 p.m.
The Marching Band performed basic rock tempos like “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond and “Louie Louie” by the Kingsmen. The parade “was enjoyable and went smoothly,” Nance said. Fans along the parade route were all about the music, with “one woman so excited it encouraged me to not be nervous about the event,” senior Marching Band member Josh Hoeflich said.
Special moments from the parade included a crowd member “busting out her best moves alongside the dance team,” senior Dance Team member Kate Whitesell said.
Nance is unsure of whether or not they will attend the Opening Day Parade next year. “If it doesn’t fall on Spring Break then we’ll strive to attend,” Nance said. “If you get a chance, go support your fellow Rockets next season,” Whitesell said, “Take pictures and create memories that will last a lifetime.”
The McNicholas Milestone 