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The Boston College “Screaming Eagles” Marching Band has been selected to perform in the nation’s 57th Inaugural Parade this Monday, Jan. 21.
The 155-member band, one of the most highly respected units in New England, will perform the University’s signature fight song, “For Boston,” along the 15-block parade route, joining other performance groups from across the country in Washington, DC, to mark the second inauguration of President Barack Obama.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said David Healey, director of the band, which was founded in 1919. “We’re thrilled to be able to go to Washington in order to support the country and the Office of the President on this historic day.”
Healey said the band’s selection is a tribute to a committed group of students who devote more than 200 hours to the band during the fall semester.
“These are some of the brightest students in the country and they make a huge contribution to the University as members of the band, spending hundreds of hours in rehearsal and performances,” said Healey, who has been affiliated with the band for 24 years, dating back to his days as a student musician. “They are a very talented and dedicated group of students. We’re all extremely proud of them.”
The BC marching band has performed in such high-profile venues as The Emerald Isle Classic in Dublin, Ireland, in 1988, and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City in 1995. The “Screaming Eagles” have also joined local Boston rock band The Dropkick Murphys on stage. In addition, the band has performed at numerous post-season bowl games during the past two decades.
This will be the band’s second performance for President Obama. When, as a US Senator, he delivered a speech at Boston College in 2005, the band also performed. “He was very complimentary of the band on that day,” Healey noted.
“This will be the most prestigious performance in the band’s history, given what this day means to our country,” said Healey.