MARCHING.COM: North Iowa Band Festival seeks 76 Trombones for 2008 parade in Mason City

Special events to commemorate 50th anniversary of the Broadway premiere of The Music Man

The North Iowa Band Festival in Mason City, Iowa will celebrate multiple milestones in 2008. This is the 70th year for the event, and the 50th anniversary of The Music Man's premiere on Broadway.

Mason City is the hometown of playwright Meredith Willson who wrote The Music Man which won the Tony Award for Best Musical in 1958.

To commemorate the 50th anniversary, the festival parade will be led by a "76 Trombone Marching Band." The event committee is inviting anyone who would like to participate to join the band.

All ages from anyone completing 8th grade to adult are welcome, according to Colleen Young, program director with the Mason City Chamber of Commerce. Trombones are especially needed, but musicians who play ANY instrument are invited to participate in this historic event. Parade time is 10:00 AM on Saturday, May 24, 2008.

"It's been a joy to have registrations from parent/child duos and even a retired band director from Nebraska," says Young. "Goosebumps will be had by all and it will be a wonderful spectacle."

All participants will be provided music, a t-shirt and cap for marching in the 1.5-mile parade. Contact Colleen Young via email or call the Mason City Chamber of Commerce at 641-423-5724 for complete details and rehearsal information.

Visit nibandfest.com for more information about the North Iowa Band Festival.

Photo courtesy of the North Iowa Band Festival.

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North Iowa Band Festival seeks 76 Trombones for 2008 parade