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Color guard member Brittani Dumont marches with the Sanford High band in the school’s parking lot as they prepare to perform in the Inaugural Parade next week.

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Photos by Gregory Rec/Staff Photographer Sanford High School Marching Band members Hillary Cusack, Denyelle Surrell, Katey Smith, Kristen Guillmette and David Higgins, right to left, practice at the school on Monday, January 12, 2008. Band members have to learn a new skill for the inaugural parade: making turns in formation because the parade route has three turns in it. Most parades only involve marching in straight lines.

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Senior Bobbie Jean Dyer tries to keep her fingers warm and nimble as she plays trumpet in the cold.

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Stanford High School altosax player dressed for cold weather.

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Freshman Debbie Erwin spins her flag.

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Matt Doiron directs practice Monday. The Inaugural Parade will be the “pinnacle of my professional career,” he said.

 

such as the Washington Monument.

Valerie Owen, an educational technician helping to coordinate the band's maneuvers and other activities in Washington, said even with all the preparation, she thinks the students are in for a surprise.

The security procedures, the long days and the crowds -- as well as the millions more watching on TV -- will be a shock, Owen said.

"I think it's going to be real fun," she said.

Senior saxophone player Matt Prive said it will be hard not to be overwhelmed at times.

"I think the most difficult part is going to be nerves come parade day," he said. "I think the adrenaline is going to be kicking. But if people stay focused, I think we'll be all set."

As Doiron watched the band continue its march around the slushy parking lot in Sanford, he said he has no doubt the band will be ready Tuesday.

Despite the daily practices, the logistics and all the middling details, band members have not lost sight of the significance of what they will be a part of, Doiron said.

"We would have marched for anyone. But I really find that words lose their effectiveness in discussing how historic an event this is," he said. "Without a doubt this is the absolute pinnacle of my professional career. It really is astounding."

Staff Writer Justin Ellis can be contacted at 791-6380 or at:

jellis@pressherald.com