Riverview High School Kiltie Band to perform in New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade

Riverview High School’s Kiltie Band will perform in the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade Monday, March 17.

The Kiltie band, which includes a color guard, bagpipers, a drumline, Highland dancers and a wind ensemble, leaves for New York City Friday, March 14, and returns Tuesday, March 18.

More than 150 members of the Kiltie will march a 1.5-mile stretch up Fifth Avenue, alongside Central Park and to St. Patrick’s Cathedral at 79th Street.

The New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which has taken place since 1762, is the oldest and largest parade celebrating the Irish holiday.

Kiltie Band Director Mark Spreen says everyone is excited and well prepared.

“These kids have spent hundreds of hours preparing, practicing over and over again to ensure a perfect performance,” Spreen says.

Drum major J.D. Karman says he and his bandmates are ready for the parade and, at the same time, slightly nervous.

“We’re a little nervous,” he says, “it’s only Fifth Avenue.”

The parade begins at 11 a.m. with the band set to march at 1 p.m.

For more information on the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade, go to http://nycstpatricksparade.org/

To contact Harriet Sokmensuer, please email [email protected]