Falcon Band on road to China

Story and photos by Jill Torrance

ARIZONA DAILY STAR

Music spilled out of the dining room and greeted guests as they arrived at the Road to China gala and silent auction Friday night at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort, 7000 N. Resort Drive.

The event benefited the Catalina Foothills High School Falcon Band. The band will join in the prelude to the 2008 Summer Olympics celebration in Beijing, China.

The marching band was invited to participate in the event after its appearance in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade last year.

"I am really excited. We found out that we're invited to China when we got back from New York last year," said band member Will Harrison.

"All the money made tonight will help the road to China," said event co-chairwoman Linda Johnson.

"This is definitely our biggest trip," said band director Renee Shane-Boyd. "We are trying to offset some of our students' costs, the cost of the equipment and all the chaperones."

The students will continue to practice even after the season ends to get ready for the 10-day trip in June.

"They will be working a lot this spring. It's very rigorous. They will be taking cultural classes in preparation for China," said co-chairwoman Therese Marcellin.

"I think it will be a very cool trip," said band member Alex Merideth. "We are going to be able to experience a new culture. The fundraiser is setting this trip up for us."

The event included Asian cuisine, Chinese calligraphers, Chinese lion dancers, a silent auction and entertainment by the band.

For more information or to make a donation, e-mail theroadtochina@hotmail.com or contact Johnson at 749-5520.

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