Carson High marching band to play for Holiday Bowl

When Carson High School junior Annie Scott started in the marching band as a freshman, she said the band wasn't that big of a deal.

Now, it will gain national attention.

"It's a statement of how hard we've worked this year," Scott said. "You don't work for rewards but it's really nice when you get one."

Members of the Carson Blue Thunder Band were told Monday morning that they have been selected to play in this year's Holiday Festival Bowl in San Diego on December 29.

"I think it's great," said Stephen Myler, 16. "We went through the torture of training and all kinds of drills. I think we've earned it."

The band will leave Carson City on Dec. 26 and will participate in various activities from competitions and rehearsals to dances and a tour of Sea World.

The students will be treated to a day at Disneyland on Dec. 30, the day after their half-time performance.

Band Director Chuck Dewees said band members will benefit in a variety of ways.

"They'll gain the experience of meeting students from other parts of the country," Dewees said. "They're going to be seen by a lot of people and that's one of the biggest thrills of being in a high school performance group."

He said he is excited about the invitation and hopes it brings even more invitations in the future.

"This is a step in the right direction," Dewees said. "Once you've taken your first step, in the future it makes it easier to be invited."

The next step is to play at one of the big bowl games such as the Rose Bowl, Sugar Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, Orange Bowl or the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Scott said this year's trip will not only raise the standards for current members but will encourage younger students to join the band.

"It's setting a really good precedent for all middle school and elementary school kids," she said. "If they see that we get to go to San Diego and Disney Land, they'll be more inclined to take band.

"We'll have not only a bigger band but a more dedicated band."

Mark Falconer, president of the booster club, said the entire community will benefit from the band's success.

"I think it's something that the community needs," he said. "We have one of the largest high schools in Northern Nevada. We deserve a top-rate band program and we think this will bring us along."