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All Star Band Brings Sunshine - and great music - to Rome
With shouts of "Bravo!" and "Bravissimo!" and even the occasional "God Bless America," perhaps the most commonly heard expression among the Italian audiences was (in broken English) "You bringa the weather... you bringa the sunshine with you... from California!" And it must have been true, judging by the blue skies and sunny days that greeted the 233 travelers from the Riverside "All Star" Band during their recent performance tour to Italy. There was never a rain cloud or cold day to be found, only warm receptions from the new-found Italian friends.
Of course, prior to departure, the RCC tradition of hosting a "Bon Voyage" Performance had to happen - and what a happening it was! The special evening of outdoor pageantry included performances by Riverside King HS - who were going to the Fiesta Bowl, Rancho Cucamonga HS - on their way to the New Year's Day Parade in Paris, the full RCC "Marching Tigers" Band - doing their final performance of the "James Bond" show... AND the Riverside "All Star" Band - made up of 161 performers from throughout the Inland Empire! Certainly a highlight of the evening was the combining of all 4 bands, to perform the "Patriotic Medley," written by Jay Bocook.
The RCC contingent departed from LAX on December 26, on 3 different flights, on 3 different airlines. After transferring in Europe to smaller planes, and 6 new flights, the group gathered at the Sheraton Roma - their new 'home away from home.' December 27 was the first of many bright and sunny days and this one was filled with sightseeing, first the Vatican and then the famous Coliseum. As most of the California tourists agreed, "mere words can not describe the amazing things we just saw!" It was truly humbling to stand in front of the world's largest cathedral (the Notre Dame Cathedral would fit in side St. John's Basilica) and hear about it's long history. And the Roman Coliseum - breathtaking... amazing... almost unbelievable that it has lasted for 2000 years.
While Florence is beautiful and filled with the greatest pieces of art from the Renaissance period, most of the Riverside entourage felt that the trip to Pompeii was one of the most memorable experiences, if for nothing else but the history of the artifacts that were preserved there. Walking through the ruins of a temple that dates back to the 5th century BC? Priceless!
As far as 'warm fuzzies' are concerned, the day spent in Frascati will live in the performer's minds forever. This little Italian town embraced the American entertainers, loved the exciting performances, yelled encouragement at every chance and welcomed Riverside in an emotional way. And, as the RCC-led 'massed band' of 700 players performed the special "Patriotic Medley," conducted this time by maestro Wayne Downey, the Mayor and City Council stood in silence, "stunned," they said later, "by the incredible, huge sound!" Afterwards, the city officials and 'regular folk' as well, became very enthusiastic, thousands of people, following Riverside around like they were pied pipers. It was a great day, sunny and warm - weather-wise AND in the reception RCC received by all.
The new year - January 1, 2008 - brought the final performances in Italy, this time at the Coliseum, with the understanding that the band would not play while facing the famous, old facade. Yes, there is a noise ordinance, and the band had a permit to make 'noise,' but no one ever expected the sounds that were produced by this group of entertainers! When the 3 trumpet soloists cut loose on "Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend," even the Chief of Police started smiling. In fact, when the band finished their set, this Italian police officer requested that Riverside "play more!" And so they did, becoming just one of two bands in the world who had performed at the two Coliseums, in consecutive years! Yes, that's Thousand Oaks HS (who accompanied RCC on this adventure and performed with Riverside) and RCC, who both performed at the LA Coliseum in 2007 and then at the Roman Coliseum in 2008 - quite an accomplishment (see photo!)
After more than a year of planning, monthly meetings, fund-raising, rehearsing, more meetings, more rehearsing - and the cost escalating due to the ever-changing exchange rate, the 'once-in-a-lifetime' trip is now history, but what a history it is! Such great memories, magnificent educational experiences, new friendships forged, strong impressions made, hundreds of photos taken, and a new respect for a wonderful culture - and all accomplished with a marching band.
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The Riverside All-Stars are made up of friends and alumni of the Marching Tigers, as well as students from high schools in and around the City of Riverside. The Riverside All-Stars have traveled as part of the Marching Tigers throughout the world, including England, Spain, France, and Scotland. In 2006, the Riverside All-Stars wase a part of the Marching Tigers when they marched in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York. This coming new year, the Riverside All-Stars will be performing in Rome, Italy.
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