I was very pleased with the experience of marching in the National Independence Day Parade in Washington, D.C. I think it was great that our students were able to see all of the landmarks, then march through them with a large crowd watching. I think it gave them a better perspective of how big the crowd was since they had seen the area without that many people. The weather worked out great as well.

Florence Hall (tour escort) was INCREDIBLE! I don’t know if there is a way you can clone her and send her with all of your groups, but she is the best tour guide I have ever had. She was always courteous and extremely knowledgeable. She was patient with the students and adults, and she worked well with our bus drivers. She did a great job of listening, and always sought out my opinion.

My personal highlight was being able to do the wreath ceremony at Arlington Cemetery. It was a tremendous honor to be able to participate in such a dignified, reverent ceremony. I think for the performers, they enjoyed several things. First, I think many of them enjoyed the parade. Second, many of them enjoyed the Capitol 4th Concert with the National Symphony, invited guest artists, and the tremendous fireworks show. Last, but not least, many of them had become tired of going in museum after museum until we arrived at the Air and Space Museum. At the Air and Space Museum, several of our students had the opportunity to meet the instructor of the Tuskeegee Airmen, and were able to take pictures with him and get his autograph. At that point, many of them thanked us for bringing them to Washington D.C.

It was an overall wonderful tour experience and I would be happy to serve as a reference for Music Celebrations International.

Jason Venable
Zachary High School Band