The Shippensburg University (SU) Marching Band will be traveling over 3,200 miles for a special performance during winter break.

Departing on Dec. 28 and returning on Jan. 4, members of the marching band will be taking a trip to Ireland to do three performances. The biggest performance will be the Procession of Lights in Dublin on New Year’s Eve. The other performances are scheduled in Limerick and Kilkenny Castle.

The trip is the first international trip that the band will take. Originally the trip was planned for Saint Patrick’s Day 2015 in Dublin, but when the common calendar and the dates of spring break changed, the department had to look for another option, Director Trever Famulare said.

While in Ireland, the marching band is also going to visit places such as Waterford and Blarney Castle.

It will be a new experience for many because the group gets to go outside the community, outside Pennsylvania and even outside the United States, Famulare said.

To be considered for the trip, the band had to submit an audition tape of both audio and video with an application including the number of members, the history and previous performances. The decision was made by the Ireland promoters of the parade.

“It’s exciting and tells us that we are doing the right thing,” Famulare said, “Outside of football away games there’s less opportunity for the band to have exposure.”

Both the concert band and the jazz band do a spring tour so Famulare thought it was time for the marching band to showcase to a larger audience.

However, not everyone is able to go. There are a total of 98 travelers. The trip is costly, but the department has worked towards fundraising.

There has been request for funds from groups and offices both on and off campus as well as an appeal through the SU foundation. Student Senate also helped by giving funds to ship the band equipment. The marching band has participated in canning and a Yankee candle fundraiser.

Famulare said he wanted an opportunity to broaden the students’ horizons. He believes it will be a once in a lifetime experience, especially after given a sneak peek at the venue.

Part of the company allows directors to go and preview the locations and hotels for the trip. In July, Famulare went and was able to see the venues.

“We’ll be able to see everyone’s reactions to what I’ve seen. It’s a whole different culture,” Famulare said, “It didn’t disappoint and the people are wonderful.”

Famulare plans to offer an international experience for the marching band every four years so students have an opportunity to go during their collegiate career.

“The unkown is the best part of it all because you don’t know what to expect,” Famulare said, “Our number one goal is to represent the university and we hope to do that on an international level.”

Share