Marching Pride of Lawrence Township (MPLT) Set to Perform at Rose Bowl
Writer / Matt Keating
Lawrence North Band Director Tom Wallis is ready to pack his bags for a trip to Pasadena, California, even though he isn’t departing until next January.
That’s because he is so excited about his destination: the Rose Parade. Wallis and The Marching Pride of Lawrence Township (MPLT) will be performing at the classic parade on Jan. 2, 2017, as one of only 21 national marching bands to showcase their talents.
“The kids are overwhelmingly excited about being chosen,” Wallis said. “It’s a great honor to be selected. Out of all the schools in the entire country, we were chosen to be in a parade that has been an institution. It says so much about the high quality of our students and how good their performances are.”
Over 250 students will be representing both the MSD of Lawrence Township and the state of Indiana. It’s the trip of a lifetime but also an expensive one. In order to cover travel, hotel, meals and other expenses, the MPLT will need to come up with $800,000.
“The MPLT has formed ’MPLT’s Road to Pasadena’ campaign to raise the funds needed,” Wallis noted. “It’s a lot of money, but with social media and a lot of hard work, we can accomplish our goal.”
MPLT has started its campaign around the band’s ‘Road to Pasadena’ experience, which includes several upcoming events and activities. Supporters can follow MPLT on Twitter and Instagram @MPLTBand.
Followers can also keep up to date via Facebook under Marching Pride of Lawrence Township.
“The MPLT is a joint effort between Lawrence Central High School and Lawrence North High School,” Wallis said. “With a combined township-wide high school marching band, we can compete at both the state (Indiana State Music Association) and national (Bands of America) levels.”
The program is directed by Wallis; Randy Greenwell, chairman of the Performing Arts Department and Band Director at Lawrence Central; Glen Haugher, a band director at Lawrence North; and Matthew James, the Performing Arts Director and a Band Director at Lawrence Central.
“It really has been a joint effort all the way between the two schools, and it’s been a great way for the kids to have a lot of new friendships,” Wallis stated. “They are all excited about meeting their goal and performing in front of an audience of over 700,000 spectators and more than 81 million television viewers.”
If you would like to make a donation by check, please make the check payable to The Lawrence Township School Foundation and forward to 6501 Sunnyside Rd., Indianapolis, 46236. Please note Pride to Pasadena in the memo line. For additional donation information, please contact Cori Korn at 317-423-8202 or corikorn@msdlt.k12.in.us.
For additional information on the band’s participation in the Rose Parade and to learn other ways to support these students, visit PrideToPasadena.org.
