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The Pride of the Mountains Marching Band has been selected as one of two U.S bands
to represent the United States at the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Ireland! They will
also have the opportunity to visit many iconic sights during their trip. Follow along
on Pride of the Mountains social media channels!
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The band had a slightly earlier start this morning because they would be making an
almost 4-hour journey to the west coast of Ireland to visit the Cliffs of Moher. When
they departed Dublin, it was looking like it would be another cloudy and rainy day.
The bus ride was rather quiet, with many band members using the time to catch up on
rest. About two hours into the trip, they stopped for a bathroom and snack break.
Students watched out the window as the Irish countryside passed by and the weather
began to clear up. The clouds dissipated, and the sun started to shine.
The last leg of the route took them through several small towns. When they arrived
at the Cliffs, members eagerly climbed to the top to see the expansive view that awaited
them. After spending about an hour and a half admiring the views and purchasing souvenirs,
it was time to make the trek back to Dublin. With just two more days left, everyone
is trying to make the most of every moment. The city of Dublin is getting busier as
the parade gets closer.
While at the Cliffs of Moher, Joseph Silvestri found it to be the perfect spot to propose to Juliana Rojas. Joseph plays mellophone in the band, and Juliana was one of the vocalists for the 2023 show. The two knew each other before being in Pride of the Mountains, but it was Joseph that encouraged her to audition for the vocalist spot. Joseph said he had originally planned on proposing at home, but when he found out Juliana would be going to Ireland too, he started planning. He wanted to propose at the Cliffs of Moher but was worried that the weather would be bad on the day the band went (as it is usually cloudy and rainy there). Because of that, he had been carrying the ring in his pocket since arriving in Ireland, just waiting for the right time and place.
“When I saw it was clearer than I’ve ever seen it, I knew it was a sign”.
Congrats Joseph and Juliana!