The Western Thunder Marching Band will represent the University of Wyoming overseas as it spends the 2016 New Year in Ireland.
Western Thunder was invited to participate in the American Celebration of Music in Ireland, where the group will play several concerts and collaborate with other bands. The opportunity may shape the students’ lives, said Western Thunder Director Brad Williamson.
“This trip will provide a lifetime of memories for these students,” said Williamson. With similar experiences to what Western Thunder will have, Williamson has become the person he is today.
This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for several band members, Williamson said. About 175 members are expected to go on the trip and freshman criminal justice major Ali Miller is one of those members.
“It is important that I go,” said Miller, an alto saxophone player. “It is an amazing opportunity that I may never have again and going with this group of people will be great.”
This opportunity for the UW marching band transpired from its frequent performances at regional and national performances in the past few years, said Williamson.
“The band has been noticed, and a fellow band director at another university recommended us to the organizing committee,” Williamson said. “We spent some time making sure this was best for us, and indeed it was.”
This trip will be eight days and six nights with several events to show band members sites in Dublin and the surrounding area. Already, seven and a half months in advanced, all eight days have had a tentative itinerary planned out. Some stops will include a visit to castles, several historic sites and so far, three separate concerts.
Not only are there sites to see for the group, but Miller also said there is culture for students to encounter.
“I get to experience the different music that Ireland has,” said Miller.
Western Thunder will be sharing concerts with bands in Ireland and be able to share music with those in Ireland, said Williamson.
A culturally distinct event the UW marching band will experience is Resolution Day, Ireland’s new year, where trip goers will have the opportunity to race in the 2.5K Fun Run and experience culturally distinct foods, according the Western Thunder Marching Band’s Facebook page.
For Williamson, going to Ireland is a one of a kind opportunity, but directing the band is a dream come true in itself.
