On Sunday, Dec. 7, the Bel Air High School Marching Band brought in some Christmas spirit and Bobcat pride in the 25^th annual Bel Air Christmas Parade.

The Christmas parade is one of the first events to ring in the Christmas season in the town of Bel Air. The parade poses a unique experience for the members of the Bel Air High School band. During the marching season only members of the Symphonic Band (which is composed of 10-12 graders) participate in marching band. But during the Christmas parade the freshman get their first taste of what it takes to be in marching band.

The Christmas parade is a good transition from a concert band to a marching band. “The parade is somewhat easy so they can catch a glimpse of what is to come when they move on to doing field shows for the football games,” says Senior Band Member Olivia Auer.

It is also the first experience that the upperclassmen have working with freshman. The parade provides some early bonding for the current sophomores and juniors that will continue with band next year to get to know the newcomers. Marching Band is a task that requires being able to get along with everyone so any extra time there is to work together is crucial to a good marching season.

Unlike many other schools, BAHS chose to play a piece arranged by band director, Mr. Domenico. For the 2013 Christmas parade Mr. Domenico combined the familiar tune of Jingle Bells with the Bel Air fight song to create the catchy and unique song, “Jingle Cats”. This is the second year that BAHS has played that in the parade.

“I like playing ‘Jingle Cats’. It’s a fun tune that mixes a well-known Christmas song and our fight song so the crowd knows its Bel Air,” said Auer.

For the band’s 27 seniors it was a bittersweet day. The parade marked the last time they would march with the Bobcat band in their uniforms. The class of 2015 has put a lot of work into the band this year and for many they were sad to see the marching season come to an end.

Senior Field Commander Evan Katsu said, “It was a little sad knowing it was the last time I would wear uniform but I’m content with the season we’ve had and I feel that we seniors are leaving the band better than it was.”

With the holiday concerts and the Christmas parade over the band transitions into preparing for their spring activities such as band day, festival and their spring concerts.

Photo Credit: Emily Haines