Tempe school band promises parade flair

TEMPE, AZ - Don’t expect to see your typical marching band, when Corona del Sol High School takes to the streets during the Fiesta Bowl Parade.

The band has decided to take a different approach.

Their steel band won’t walk, but rather ride on a 45-foot float and play island-style music.

For three weeks, 56 students who play in the band have been coming to school an hour early to practice for the Dec. 31 parade.

“We’re going to go down Central Avenue and hopefully put on a good show,” said Scott Werner, the band’s percussion direction.

“It’s just a really good time. We have a fun time,” said Courtney Naumann, a junior, who plays in the band.

Naumann said many of her classmates prefer the steel band because it is much more relaxed than marching band.

“We get to wear Hawaiian shirts,” Naumann said, referring to the shirts they’ll be wearing during the parade.

“It’s a lot of energy,” she said.

She said her classmates are looking forward to the exposure they may get from being in the parade.

The band has six rehearsals left before their parade performance.