The East Juniata High School Marching Band’s 2017 season was “washed away” as they attended their final parade performance on Saturday, November 18 at the Susquehanna Valley Mall. Although they enjoyed playing their Christmas music, the young musicians got more than they bargained for when it began to rain and sleet right before the start of the parade.

The band prepared a song specially arranged by their director, Mr. Kevin Milliken, combining the songs “Apache” and “Joy to the World,” called “Apache Joy.” This song was a very big hit with parade spectators last year, so the group wanted to perform it again this year.

They decided that it would be best to wear their raincoats for the parade, as rain was predicted in the weather forecast, and as they were warming up their instruments, the band members were forced to don their hoods when the rain began to fall.

No matter how soaked the band got, they played loud and proud, and enjoyed the final parade of the season. It was a wonderful way to kick off the Christmas season in Selinsgrove.