Two Alabama groups scheduled to perform before the eyes of the nation in the Monday inaugural parade have been cut from the program.
The second Trump inaugural parade has been moved indoors. Temperatures in the nation’s capitol are forecast to hit dangerous lows on Monday. While there is some confusion, it appears that the parade will be shortened.
All high school bands scheduled for the parade, including the Albertville Aggie Band, have been canceled. The Aggies are already in Washington and are exploring other D.C. venues to perform. Updates should be available on their Facebook page here.
From the other end of the state, the Azalea Trail Maids from Mobile are in D.C. but are also cut from the parade. (This could be subject to change.)
Albertville Band director Taylor Cash issued the following statement on Saturday:
Dear Students, Parents and Community Members,
It is with regret that I share the unfortunate news we received just this evening around 5:30 p.m. Due to the forecasted low temperatures in Washington, D.C., the presidential inauguration ceremony and parade have been moved indoors. As a result, the Aggie Band, as well as the other high school bands invited, will not have the opportunity to perform in the inaugural parade as originally planned.
As you can imagine, we are disappointed by this decision, especially in receiving it just a day before our departure. However, in the spirit of resilience that defines our community, we met with the band this evening to let them know that we have decided to proceed with the trip and that we are actively exploring other venues in Washington, D.C., for them to perform. We want to showcase the exceptional talents of the Aggie Band, honor their dedication and ensure they receive the audience they so richly deserve.
We will keep you informed as plans develop. We are hopeful that, despite this setback, our students will have a memorable and rewarding experience in our nation’s capital.
Our original reporting:
The Albertville High School Aggie Band is headed to Washington D.C. to perform in the Inauguration Day Parade. "We're honored to be invited to be a part of this, to represent our state," said Director of Bands Taylor Cash. It's the first time the band will take part in the celebrations.
The Aggies found out about earning the honor only a few weeks ago during Winter Break. "I was over the top excited because, first of all, all the places we're going get to see and just like the amazing opportunity to march and such a big and impressive parade," said Color Guard Captain December "Deci" Williams.
"I was actually prepping for my cruise trip that weekend," said 1st Chair Trombone Caleb Blakeney. "Everything was condensed," said Cash, "A quicker turnaround over a Christmas break holiday, that made it the most challenging."
The Azalea Trail Maids issued the following statement over the weekend on their Facebook site:
We regret to inform the community that, due to the inauguration parade being moved indoors this year, the Mobile Azalea Trail Maids, along with the majority of the parade participants have been asked to no longer participate in the event. With the change in venue, there simply isn't sufficient space to accommodate all of the traditional parade units.
While the Maids will not be part of the parade this year, we want to express our sincere appreciation for their continued dedication to representing our city with grace and pride. We look forward to finding other opportunities to honor and celebrate their important role in our community.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support.
In Trump’s first inaugural parade in January 2017, an Alabama band was featured and drew rave reviews. The Talladega Tornadoes Band of Talladega College put on an acrobatic show. They are a historically black college.
Jim ‘Zig’ Zeigler writes about Alabama’s people, places, events, groups and prominent deaths. He is a former Alabama Public Service Commissioner and State Auditor. You can reach him for comments at ZeiglerElderCare@yahoo.com.
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