CORNING, N.Y. (WENY) -- The Corning-Painted Post High School’s marching band will be marching in the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland.  

The students were selected for the honor after competing against marching bands from across the country. Band director Donny Allen said the band members are currently practicing at least two hours a day, leading up to the big trip.  

 

“We're having a rehearsal for our Ireland trip...and we're really excited about it,” he said.  

This trip to Ireland is two years in the marking. Due to traveling implications caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the students were not able to travel to Ireland in 2020. This year is different.  

 

“These students are just amazing...they want to represent themselves and this program at a high level,” said band director Joseph Stork. “They work hard...there's a lot of talent in this group but more so there's a lot of heart and pride to be a Hawk.” 

Allen and Stork compiled Irish-style music for the special event. 

“We wanted to find something that had a meaning to Ireland. So, we found a piece called 'Wearing of the Green,'” Allen said.  

Students Emily Song and Sydney Hewit are honored to represent their high school internationally. They are clarinet players as well as drum majors. 

 

“I'm beyond excited...senior year...getting to go to Ireland and getting to conduct in a parade is definitely kind of a dream,” Hewit said. “We're roommates so that will be really fun, too.” 

Having practiced for this moment for years, everyone is prepared to do their part and make their school proud. 

 

“It is a little nerve-racking to go and conduct but, I mean, everyone knows what they're doing at this point...we've had so many practices,” Song said. “I think everyone trusts each other to do their part correctly so it's kind of like a big, group team-building activity.” 

The band departs for Dublin, Ireland on March 12th. The St. Patrick's Day Parade will be held on March 14th, with these students representing the Corning area with pride.