WTVM.com and WTVM News Leader 9, Columbus, GA | Auburn University Band Heading To Ireland

Auburn University Band Heading To Ireland

March 13, 2008

Auburn, Ala. (WTVM) - The Auburn University Marching Band left Thursday morning to travel overseas to play musical tunes for a special parade in Ireland.

This is the first international trip for band.  Many students say they are looking forward to the culture, people and music.  Instead of spending Spring Break at the beach or home with family and friends.  Auburn band members are participating in the annual St. Patrick's Day parades in Limerick and Dublin.  "I am looking forward to it.  It's just the ability for us to go with friends to represent Auburn internationally.  This is an excellent opportunity and I just think it's awesome," said Drum Major Nick Smith.  

Director of Bands Richard Good says the students deserve this trip because they raised a lot of the money themselves.  "We didn't really know if we would make it or not, because of the cost of the trip.  Especially for college students its hard, but they were excited and out of 350 in fall band about 200 raised the funds to go," said Good. 

As the students prepare to experience their first international trip as a group.  Many are hoping to learn a little about Irish culture and compare it with American culture. "I always love seeing how they live, eat, and how their town is set up," said AU Band Member Amber King. 

"Just being able to experience music and aspects of their culture is going to be fun.  I want to see how they're receptive to our musicm, especially marching band.  It's going to be awesome to learn," said Smith. 

The band is expected to return to the Auburn University campus next Wednesday.