The Pana Marching Panthers have been selected to represent Illinois by performing at the 2017 National Independence Day Parade on July 4th in Washington DC next year!  This is a prestigious honor, with only forty bands from across the nation being selected to perform.  Along with performing on a national stage, our students will also be able to tour key Washington sites, such as the Jefferson, Lincoln, Korean, and Vietnam Memorials; Arlington National Cemetery; the Smithsonian Museums; Ford’s Theater; and a performance by the National Symphony.  

Through marching in the parade, the band is excited to represent “small town America” and the great accomplishments of the surrounding communities. As a representative for Pana, the Pana School District, surrounding communities, and the State of Illinois, the band hopes to demonstrate the outstanding dedication, hard work, and commitment to quality from both students and individuals working in the surrounding communities (our band is comprised of students from both Christian and Shelby counties, specifically the communities of Pana, Rosamond, Oconee, and Tower Hill).  The band also will be honoring the strong veteran presence and patriotism in the surrounding communities. Although the high school band has traveled to many locations over the past few years, the national parade will be the most high-profile appearance for the band and many of the community organizations.

We need your help!  Students will be kicking off a fundraising campaign to raise support for the trip. In order for the band to go, the students must raise over $40,000. The band is calling upon help from family, friends, Pana High School band alumni, and surrounding communities to send the students across the country to demonstrate to the entire nation the pride, patriotism, and character that Pana and its surrounding communities exhibit. One great way that local businesses and patrons can help is by sponsoring the band to help offset the cost. 

This is an incredible opportunity for our area, and the Pana Marching Panthers are extremely honored to represent Central Illinois.  This is quite literally a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our students.