by Riley Genier,
The band started their last day in California by sleeping in and eating another delicious hotel breakfast. Afterwards, we packed up the band truck before section pictures and a quick band meeting.
Everyone then dispersed for a few hours of free time around the hotel. Some popular points of interest were one final walk through Downtown Disney, Joe’s Italian Ice And Ice Cream, swimming at the hotel, or buying snacks for the flight tomorrow at Target.
Then we loaded the buses for our evening at Pirates Dinner Adventure. It was a short bus ride from the hotel and definitely was not what some expected. It was like stepping into a whole different world with pirate decorations everywhere. We were split into groups similar to the style of Medieval Times. The show was a phenomenal display of all sorts of talents. From singing, dancing, silk acrobatics, and even some comedy. The audience participation was one of the better parts of the show, some of our band members even ended up on stage.
Once we got back to the hotel we had our final band meeting of the tour. Then we all went back to our rooms to pack in preparation for our early flights tomorrow.
Thursday 4 January 2018
Wednesday 3 January 2018
Day 8 - Disneyland
By Cassi Zettle
We had an early start this morning with breakfast at 6 am and departure for Disneyland at 7. Despite this, I was wide awake with excitement and nervousness for our final performance of the tour and my final performance with the band. From the parking lot we took trams to the park and we had some free time. We browsed souvenir shops and took photos of the beautiful Disney castle. At 10:30, we met up and went backstage to prepare for the performance. We changed into our uniforms, warmed up and had our pre-performance meeting. Along with myself, 24 others retired today so there were a lot of tears and so much love. We stepped off around 12:30 and the parade was around half an hour long, the crowd was amazing and the Disney cast was extremely helpful and organized! After the performance we had more free time until 9:30 pm, in which my group and I got to meet some characters, and go on some rides like the Haunted Mansion and the Star Wars 3D Experience (highly recommended). At 9:30 we met up again to see the fireworks display and then we took trams back to the hotel. Today was an awesome day but everybody is pretty tired, so I think we’re all looking forward to a relaxing day tomorrow when we re-load the band truck and then go to the Pirates Adventure Dinner to complete our Tournament of Roses Tour in California.
We had an early start this morning with breakfast at 6 am and departure for Disneyland at 7. Despite this, I was wide awake with excitement and nervousness for our final performance of the tour and my final performance with the band. From the parking lot we took trams to the park and we had some free time. We browsed souvenir shops and took photos of the beautiful Disney castle. At 10:30, we met up and went backstage to prepare for the performance. We changed into our uniforms, warmed up and had our pre-performance meeting. Along with myself, 24 others retired today so there were a lot of tears and so much love. We stepped off around 12:30 and the parade was around half an hour long, the crowd was amazing and the Disney cast was extremely helpful and organized! After the performance we had more free time until 9:30 pm, in which my group and I got to meet some characters, and go on some rides like the Haunted Mansion and the Star Wars 3D Experience (highly recommended). At 9:30 we met up again to see the fireworks display and then we took trams back to the hotel. Today was an awesome day but everybody is pretty tired, so I think we’re all looking forward to a relaxing day tomorrow when we re-load the band truck and then go to the Pirates Adventure Dinner to complete our Tournament of Roses Tour in California.
Day 7 - Ronald Reagan Library & Venice Beach
By Quinn Thomblison & Dylan Ngo
After completing the very tiring Rose Parade and Formal, we got to spend the next day free with some sightseeing! We jump started our day with breakfast at 9 am, hopped on the bus at 10 and departed for the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum. At the museum, we toured around the building with our chaperones looking at artifacts from Mr. Reagan’s past, scavenged artifacts from the Titanic as well as movie props, visited the Oval Office and visited the Air Force One plane. The museum was quite packed and the line for viewing the plane was lengthy but was definitely worth the wait. As well as that, the view of the outdoor valleys was beautiful and a favorite to many. Unfortunately with the lines and how busy the Library and Museum was, we didn’t get to see everything at the Library.
Our next stop was Venice Beach! We loaded up and headed our way! Unfortunately we arrived later in the day at the beach, but we were welcomed by a warm sunset at the beach. Everyone was able to enjoy a nice time and dinner at the beach. Many were also able to pick up a few knickknacks and clothing at the beach store fronts!
To end the day, we hopped back on the bus and headed back to the hotel. We had a quick meeting and went to bed, looking forward for the final performance at Disneyland the next day - from the heat.
After completing the very tiring Rose Parade and Formal, we got to spend the next day free with some sightseeing! We jump started our day with breakfast at 9 am, hopped on the bus at 10 and departed for the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum. At the museum, we toured around the building with our chaperones looking at artifacts from Mr. Reagan’s past, scavenged artifacts from the Titanic as well as movie props, visited the Oval Office and visited the Air Force One plane. The museum was quite packed and the line for viewing the plane was lengthy but was definitely worth the wait. As well as that, the view of the outdoor valleys was beautiful and a favorite to many. Unfortunately with the lines and how busy the Library and Museum was, we didn’t get to see everything at the Library.
Our next stop was Venice Beach! We loaded up and headed our way! Unfortunately we arrived later in the day at the beach, but we were welcomed by a warm sunset at the beach. Everyone was able to enjoy a nice time and dinner at the beach. Many were also able to pick up a few knickknacks and clothing at the beach store fronts!
To end the day, we hopped back on the bus and headed back to the hotel. We had a quick meeting and went to bed, looking forward for the final performance at Disneyland the next day - from the heat.
Tuesday 2 January 2018
Day 6 - Rose Parade
January 1st, 2018
By: Drum Majors Lauren Zanini, Josh Lawrence and Luke Marta
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Today is the day we have been waiting sand preparing for all year... Rose Parade Day! Rise and shine, it’s 4:00am and time to get ready for the busy day! All of the band members were to get dressed in their uniforms and go down to breakfast at 5:00. Given a short 30 minute breakfast time, members were to make sure they fuelled their bodies for the long 6 miles ahead of them! As the Tournament of Roses is extremely particular on timing, in order to be in the parade marshalling area on time, the band had to be on the road for 5:30am.
The bus ride to the marshalling area was long and dark, so most of the members decided to get a little extra sleep. Upon arrivial, we had a matter of minutes to collect our instruments and get off the buses, in order to make it to our spot at the right time. Once in our spot, we waited until our turn to enter the route between the floats.
Approximately 9:15am, The Burlington Teen Tour Band stepped off for the 5th time as a Rose Parade Band. Turning TV corner onto Colorado Boulevard, was a stunning and breathtaking experience. It was absolutely amazing to see the multitude of people lining the parade route cheering us on. About half way through the parade we passed Pasadena City College, where all of the band supporters, chaperones, alumni and families filled the bleachers top to bottom watching and supporting us with pride. Seeing the familiar faces of our supporters in the crowd gave us a feeling of exhilaration and that final bit of motivation to keep us going. As usual, we played to the very last second of the parade which was greatly appreciated by the crowds, something that not all bands did. After dismissal, the members had the chance to interact with members from all of the other bands while waiting in line to be fed.
After arriving back at the hotel, members were given the opportunity for free time before our annual formal dinner and dance. Many members used this time to rest, watch the parade on television, and prepare themselves for the formal.
At 6:30pm, the doors of the Crystal Ballroom opened signalling the start of the 2017 formal. During this time, members, supporters and staff were fed dinner, engaged in the annual slideshow, learned of the 2018 Executive, and received awards and gifts. Around 9:00pm the dance portion of the night started, where staff and supporters exited the ballroom, leaving members to bust a move on the dance floor.
After a long, exciting, and memorable day, all band members were to get to bed at midnight to prepare for a day of fun and sightseeing!
- Drum Majors
By: Drum Majors Lauren Zanini, Josh Lawrence and Luke Marta
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Today is the day we have been waiting sand preparing for all year... Rose Parade Day! Rise and shine, it’s 4:00am and time to get ready for the busy day! All of the band members were to get dressed in their uniforms and go down to breakfast at 5:00. Given a short 30 minute breakfast time, members were to make sure they fuelled their bodies for the long 6 miles ahead of them! As the Tournament of Roses is extremely particular on timing, in order to be in the parade marshalling area on time, the band had to be on the road for 5:30am.
The bus ride to the marshalling area was long and dark, so most of the members decided to get a little extra sleep. Upon arrivial, we had a matter of minutes to collect our instruments and get off the buses, in order to make it to our spot at the right time. Once in our spot, we waited until our turn to enter the route between the floats.
Approximately 9:15am, The Burlington Teen Tour Band stepped off for the 5th time as a Rose Parade Band. Turning TV corner onto Colorado Boulevard, was a stunning and breathtaking experience. It was absolutely amazing to see the multitude of people lining the parade route cheering us on. About half way through the parade we passed Pasadena City College, where all of the band supporters, chaperones, alumni and families filled the bleachers top to bottom watching and supporting us with pride. Seeing the familiar faces of our supporters in the crowd gave us a feeling of exhilaration and that final bit of motivation to keep us going. As usual, we played to the very last second of the parade which was greatly appreciated by the crowds, something that not all bands did. After dismissal, the members had the chance to interact with members from all of the other bands while waiting in line to be fed.
After arriving back at the hotel, members were given the opportunity for free time before our annual formal dinner and dance. Many members used this time to rest, watch the parade on television, and prepare themselves for the formal.
At 6:30pm, the doors of the Crystal Ballroom opened signalling the start of the 2017 formal. During this time, members, supporters and staff were fed dinner, engaged in the annual slideshow, learned of the 2018 Executive, and received awards and gifts. Around 9:00pm the dance portion of the night started, where staff and supporters exited the ballroom, leaving members to bust a move on the dance floor.
After a long, exciting, and memorable day, all band members were to get to bed at midnight to prepare for a day of fun and sightseeing!
- Drum Majors
Day 5 - Free Day
By: Bailey Fenton and Alex Allsopp
After all the touring we have done over the past few days, today was a free day for us to relax before the Rose Parade tomorrow. It's pretty crazy to think that the day we have been preparing for all year is finally here.
Alex and I decided to have an easy morning after breakfast with our friends and just hung out at the hotel. We ended up playing cards, had some great laughs and fun times. After that, we had a very typical marching band party...a shoe cleaning party! (Which can take a very long time because white shoes are difficult to keep white) All of our uniform items need to be in perfect condition for the parade tomorrow.
The second part of our day was filled with exploring Downtown Disney. We went in a taxi with a chaperone and had tons of fun experiencing a sneak peak of the magic of Disney. This has made us so excited to spend the day in the rest of the park on Wednesday after our performance!
In the evening, we hopped on the bus to drive down the parade route, and we were all wondering why we were going out when we had to get up early the next morning. Once we got to the route though, we found out that the crowd already forming throws marshmallows, tortillas with shaving cream, and silly string at the busses and cars to get everyone excited for the morning. It turned out to be a pretty good time and we understood completely why we drove the route. This made us all pumped up for tomorrow morning's parade!
Since this is the last blog of 2017, we would like to take some time to reflect on the past year. It has been a very busy year with tons of training and tons of fundraising for this once in a lifetime opportunity we will have to march in the biggest parade in the world. Both Alex and I have been at university and have missed much of the practices and performances, but we have both definitely noticed the hard work and improvement the entire band has accomplished. We couldn't have asked for a better way to end our band career.
So that's it for 2017! It's been good BTTB! Can't wait for tomorrow's Rose Parade!!!
Alex Allsopp and Bailey Fenton
Lower Brass
After all the touring we have done over the past few days, today was a free day for us to relax before the Rose Parade tomorrow. It's pretty crazy to think that the day we have been preparing for all year is finally here.
Alex and I decided to have an easy morning after breakfast with our friends and just hung out at the hotel. We ended up playing cards, had some great laughs and fun times. After that, we had a very typical marching band party...a shoe cleaning party! (Which can take a very long time because white shoes are difficult to keep white) All of our uniform items need to be in perfect condition for the parade tomorrow.
The second part of our day was filled with exploring Downtown Disney. We went in a taxi with a chaperone and had tons of fun experiencing a sneak peak of the magic of Disney. This has made us so excited to spend the day in the rest of the park on Wednesday after our performance!
In the evening, we hopped on the bus to drive down the parade route, and we were all wondering why we were going out when we had to get up early the next morning. Once we got to the route though, we found out that the crowd already forming throws marshmallows, tortillas with shaving cream, and silly string at the busses and cars to get everyone excited for the morning. It turned out to be a pretty good time and we understood completely why we drove the route. This made us all pumped up for tomorrow morning's parade!
Since this is the last blog of 2017, we would like to take some time to reflect on the past year. It has been a very busy year with tons of training and tons of fundraising for this once in a lifetime opportunity we will have to march in the biggest parade in the world. Both Alex and I have been at university and have missed much of the practices and performances, but we have both definitely noticed the hard work and improvement the entire band has accomplished. We couldn't have asked for a better way to end our band career.
So that's it for 2017! It's been good BTTB! Can't wait for tomorrow's Rose Parade!!!
Alex Allsopp and Bailey Fenton
Lower Brass
Saturday 30 December 2017
Day 4 - Band Fest 2018
by Mallory Jagger and Sophie Vigneux
This morning, after waking up at 8 and having breakfast, we made our way to the Rose Bowl for the official tour photo. The process was very efficient and you could tell that they had everything planned down to the minute. It was also fun seeing who was the tallest and shortest in band when being put in place for the photo. Afterwards, we encountered a surprise photo shoot where every band members got their own portrait taken. Then, we walked all the way over to the center where the floats for the parade were being built with fresh flowers. We then walked back to the buses and made our way to Pasadena City College for our Bandfest performance. For our lunch, we got to experience the famous american In-and-Out burger. After our very rushed meal, the loading crew unloaded in record time, we put on our tunics, and headed out to the field without a warm-up. As we watched the Los Angeles Unified School District Band our hearts started to race with anticipation for our first performance in California, especially because we had been working on this field show for over a year now and had only put the final touches on the show two days ago. When we moved into our starting positions, we knew we were ready! As the first note rang around the stadium, everything seamlessly fell into place. As I (Mallory) turned around into my solo position for the song I Have a Love, my breath was taken away, and I was trying not to break out into a smile. I knew my whole family was watching me and as I hit the first and last notes I couldn’t have been happier with our performance. One of the highlights of our show was when we played our fourth song Tonight, and turned towards the other half of the stadium. The crowd went wild! We were the only band to play a song facing that side, and you could tell it was appreciated. When we finished the show, and we marched out to Big Noise, we knew we had made a lasting impression. Back at the buses, we were able to socialize and trade pins with the other bands which was really cool. Tomorrow will be our last day to relax as we prepare for the big parade on January 1st, 2018!
This morning, after waking up at 8 and having breakfast, we made our way to the Rose Bowl for the official tour photo. The process was very efficient and you could tell that they had everything planned down to the minute. It was also fun seeing who was the tallest and shortest in band when being put in place for the photo. Afterwards, we encountered a surprise photo shoot where every band members got their own portrait taken. Then, we walked all the way over to the center where the floats for the parade were being built with fresh flowers. We then walked back to the buses and made our way to Pasadena City College for our Bandfest performance. For our lunch, we got to experience the famous american In-and-Out burger. After our very rushed meal, the loading crew unloaded in record time, we put on our tunics, and headed out to the field without a warm-up. As we watched the Los Angeles Unified School District Band our hearts started to race with anticipation for our first performance in California, especially because we had been working on this field show for over a year now and had only put the final touches on the show two days ago. When we moved into our starting positions, we knew we were ready! As the first note rang around the stadium, everything seamlessly fell into place. As I (Mallory) turned around into my solo position for the song I Have a Love, my breath was taken away, and I was trying not to break out into a smile. I knew my whole family was watching me and as I hit the first and last notes I couldn’t have been happier with our performance. One of the highlights of our show was when we played our fourth song Tonight, and turned towards the other half of the stadium. The crowd went wild! We were the only band to play a song facing that side, and you could tell it was appreciated. When we finished the show, and we marched out to Big Noise, we knew we had made a lasting impression. Back at the buses, we were able to socialize and trade pins with the other bands which was really cool. Tomorrow will be our last day to relax as we prepare for the big parade on January 1st, 2018!
Friday 29 December 2017
Day 3 - Universal Studios
By Sam Cardona, Maddy Van Clieaf and Kyle Schweitzer
Sadly, today was very hot, much more than yesterday lol. We started off with an early morning, today’s breakfast had sausage, not bacon and the potatoes were a little unique. We headed off to the buses for our last practice before the Rose Parade, we worked a lot on cleaning up little things and the drums got some snazzy, good looking, fresh, colourful drum heads, decorated with the Tournament of Roses logo. After we finished up rehearsal, the chaperones prepared us a really nice lunch. We had a make-your-own sandwich line-up with all different kinds of lunch meats, vegetables, tied together with some chips and water (water is key). When all of the stomachs were full, the band headed down to Universal studios.
Maddy and Sam began the trip with a magical adventure to Harry Potter land, they happily waited in line for the most spectacular ride which immersed them in the magic world of Harry Potter. Afterwards, they grabbed some Butterbeer, which is a butterscotch drink that Harry and his friends drink in the fictional world. Sam really wanted a wand, so everyone piled into the Olivanders and chose out their own wand, which could interact in the park and cast fun spells. It was getting late so the gang rapped up their night with a trip to the sweets shop and then to go get some dinner in a small sandwich shop right next to Who-Ville.
While Sam and Maddy were waiting to write the blog, they were able to talk to some other Harry Potter fans who were in band. Matt Wicks, told us about his day and told us all about his love for Harry Potter and his Ravenclaw nature.
Whilst Samantha and Madeleine were doing the works of nerds, Kyle, a great bass drummer, was strolling along the park with his good chums. His “quad” included; the incredible Jules Q and Jenna Walker. They began their special journey with a lovely glass of butterbeer. This was quite the delicacy and made the experience of Universal Studios even better. After the butter beer had been drunk, the gang headed for the world-famous studio tour of Universal. There they were subjected to a wait time of 95 minutes. After the long wait, they finally approached the beginning of the tour. The tour was a great time with a lot of special effects and fun stuff. The members then ate some food and went home to the hotel.
For today it is Goodbye from California and the world of magic.
Sadly, today was very hot, much more than yesterday lol. We started off with an early morning, today’s breakfast had sausage, not bacon and the potatoes were a little unique. We headed off to the buses for our last practice before the Rose Parade, we worked a lot on cleaning up little things and the drums got some snazzy, good looking, fresh, colourful drum heads, decorated with the Tournament of Roses logo. After we finished up rehearsal, the chaperones prepared us a really nice lunch. We had a make-your-own sandwich line-up with all different kinds of lunch meats, vegetables, tied together with some chips and water (water is key). When all of the stomachs were full, the band headed down to Universal studios.
Maddy and Sam began the trip with a magical adventure to Harry Potter land, they happily waited in line for the most spectacular ride which immersed them in the magic world of Harry Potter. Afterwards, they grabbed some Butterbeer, which is a butterscotch drink that Harry and his friends drink in the fictional world. Sam really wanted a wand, so everyone piled into the Olivanders and chose out their own wand, which could interact in the park and cast fun spells. It was getting late so the gang rapped up their night with a trip to the sweets shop and then to go get some dinner in a small sandwich shop right next to Who-Ville.
While Sam and Maddy were waiting to write the blog, they were able to talk to some other Harry Potter fans who were in band. Matt Wicks, told us about his day and told us all about his love for Harry Potter and his Ravenclaw nature.
Whilst Samantha and Madeleine were doing the works of nerds, Kyle, a great bass drummer, was strolling along the park with his good chums. His “quad” included; the incredible Jules Q and Jenna Walker. They began their special journey with a lovely glass of butterbeer. This was quite the delicacy and made the experience of Universal Studios even better. After the butter beer had been drunk, the gang headed for the world-famous studio tour of Universal. There they were subjected to a wait time of 95 minutes. After the long wait, they finally approached the beginning of the tour. The tour was a great time with a lot of special effects and fun stuff. The members then ate some food and went home to the hotel.
For today it is Goodbye from California and the world of magic.
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