McGavock High School - Etc Yearbook (Nashville, TN)

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by Bryan Vaden Standing in formation waiting for the start of your part in the 1979 Tournament of Roses Parade in sunny Pasadena, California. One cannot help thinking of the events leading to this moment. The hours of rehearsal at Opryland playing the same music over and over again. The last rehearsal in Nashville marching to the Hermitage and back. The pack- ing and unpacking of uniforms and instruments. The re- hearsal in the dining room of the Long Beach Hyatt House. The five hour plane ride, which was a first for many of us. Band members, parents, and followers left Nashville on four different flights. As we arrived in sunny California, everyone was excited about the things to come. However, there was a dulling effect on a lot of spirits when the baggage was delayed. This meant going to Knotts Berry Farm Amusement Park in suits, dresses, and high heels. One person it did not bother was our fearless president Jeff Beckman. He arrived in a navy blue three piece suit and his Opryland White Adidas.. There were more amusement parks to come. Magic Mountain, one of the largest, and home of the Collossus (which was closed). Then there was the long day at one of the most famous amusement parks, Disneyland. We spent all day and night there and closed the evening marching in their Christmas Parade. Fun was had by all but it was a tiring day. The next adventure was Universal Studios and the de- bate which came along with it, “Should we spend the full time at Universal Studios or do a National Telethon for Muscular Dystrophy?” The decision was made for Univer- sal Studios which was the best place we visited. Although we did not see any movie stars, we thoroughly enjoyed our | visit. | Later that afternoon we drove to beautiful Pasadena. We drove down Colorado Boulevard where the parade was to be held. It was the most unbelieveable sight of the entire trip. People were already lining the streets for a bird’s eye view of the parade. They had chairs, tables, sofas, dogs, cats, food, drinks, games, children, grills, heaters, and any other items that would make them comfortable. New Year’s Eve lights were out around 9:30, however, it was a little too early to sleep. When New Year’s Day dawned we were up at 4:30 and headed for breakfast in our uniforms. After breakfast, we drove to the parade unload- ing area and began our wait. The thoughts of soreness and failure to finish our seven mile hike was on everyone’s mind. The whistle blew and we were off. It was time to show everyone that McGavock High Marching Raiders were BEST! Left and Right Below and Opposite Page left and right above: The McGavock High Marching Raiders Opposite Page: Bottom Left: JoAnna and Kim give their signals. Bottom Right: Our beautiful new banner made by band boosters.

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The air was filled with excitement as the 19th annual Tourna- ment of Roses Parade began. There seemed to be no end to the spectators, they were everywhere; hanging out of windows, on roofs, on the ground, in the stands, in cars, in stores, and even in the air. One of the highlights of the parade was when a float broke down in front of us which resulted in the parade stopping. It was not exciting to stop except for the fact that we were right in front of the CBS television cameras for nearly five minutes! How could anyone miss the great sound and looks of the McGavock High Marching Raiders! As the parade progressed; our feet, legs, backs, and shoulders began to ache. However, it was not long after that when we completed the seven mile parade. We were one of two bands that were able to play the complete parade route. We were also one of two bands which had no members to drop out due to fatigue. One rifle guard nearly dropped out when a spectator pulled her into the crowd, however, she simply marched back in. We made it! The long, hard journey was over and we were wasted. We collapsed in the sand for a few minutes to rest then we were off to lunch and was it great! After this task, our days were few. We had a formal dinner and dance that evening along with a 24-hour delayed New Year’s Eve greeting. The next day was mixed, part of the band went to Hollywood, part went to the beach, and the remainder to the San Diego Zoo. That evening we had a Discotique in the hotel. The next morning was very dreary as we headed back to Nashville. All we had to show for our efforts were souvenirs, a Tournament of Roses Musicians Patch, and many memoris of the Marching Raiders on national television. The band members are very grateful to Mr. Rawlings and Mr. Kinney who made all those memories possible! This page: Top: “My feet are killing me!” Middle: “T know | packed it.” Bottom: “Where do we go now?” Opposite Page: Top left: Memories of a parade. Top right: ‘‘If I have to lift this flag again, I will scream!” Middle: ‘And ah 1 and ah 2andah ... ” Bottom left and right: “Gee, what a fun New Year’s Eve!”