The entire school is honored by this unique opportunity to participate in what is the largest parade in the world. Last September, the Lord of Mayor of Westminster, England flew to Lilburn specifically to invite the school’s marching band to perform at the New Year’s Parade. Local press and dignitaries gathered to share in the special honor received, as Parkview was the only band in Georgia and one of 26 in the nation to be invited.
Eagar to represent Parkview overseas, members of the school’s football team and band have joined forces to arrange the inaugural Big Orange Auction which will include a Silent and Live Auction. Former state Rep. Brooks Coleman will be the auctioneer for the event to be held September 14, from 6 to 9 p.m in the school cafeteria.
“Our goal is mainly to get the uniforms and equipment over. Everything has to fly, and with about 110 going, the cost will be high,” said Auction Co-Chair Debbie Nerbonne, a proud parent of a Parkview band student and a Parkview football player. “It’s a trip of a lifetime, and the fact that we were one of the few bands invited in the country makes this an even bigger deal!”
The Auction will benefit the football team, which went 11-1 last season, ending with the number one ranked offense and number three ranked defense in the state. The Parkview Panthers went undefeated during the regular season, bringing home the school’s first Regional Championship since 2004. Proceeds from The Big Orange Auction will aid the team in the upcoming fall season by supplying new equipment for the weight room and updates throughout the field house.
Parents and students from both the band and football team have donated items for the auction and are volunteering their time to coordinate the event. They are currently accepting items including hotel stays, restaurant and gas gift cards, sports memorabilia, theater tickets, music lessons and much more.
Two teams come together for one goal – The Big Orange Auction. Benefitting Parview’s marching band and football programs, the Auction will be held September 14, 2019, in the school cafeteria from 6 to 9 p.m.“The football team and band support each other throughout the year, and we’re glad to help now with the Auction,” said Eric Godfree, Head Coach of the football team and Co-Chair of the Auction. “As an Alumni, it gives me a lot of pride to know the band is representing us and the City of Lilburn in London. It gives me a lot of pride.”
Students and their chaperones will depart on December 26, and return on January 2, 2020. In preparation, the students are learning different formations and music specifically for the parade so that it will be tailored for both American and British audiences. The parade follows a two-mile route and is expected to run three hours. The parade will be broadcasted live on January 1, 2020 on various international television outlets. For local viewers, the parade will be streamed on GCPS TV among other outlets to be determined. Visit http://www.parkviewband.net closer to the parade date for a complete listing.
“This is my tenth year at Parkview, and we’ve had a lot of competitive success, but this is the first time we’re taking that talent to an international stage,” Director of Bands Jason Atha said. “And while many of the students will be able to revisit London, most of them will age out [of high school] before or if we are ever invited to participate again.”
All are welcome to come out to support the Parkview marching band and football team at the Big Orange Auction. Check-in begins promptly at 6 p.m., and a detailed schedule can be found online at http://bigorangeauction.com. All donations to the Parkview band and football programs are tax-deductible in accordance with the law. For questions, contact bigorangeauction@gmail.com.
