THE TIGERS AT A GLANCE: 2009-2010
The more than 200 member TIGER MARCHING BAND from Alexis I. duPont High School, Wilmington, Delaware is the most televised high school band in America and the only band outside California to appear in the Pasadena Rose Parade five times under the same director! In 2010, the TIGER MARCHING BAND will again appear in the Fort McDowell Fiesta Bowl Parade in Phoenix, Arizona.
This year, the band will be led by President Brandon Springer and Drum Major Jason Bell, both elected by their fellow students. The TIGERS, famous for their exciting high-step show-style marching and music, feature selections from Broadway, Jazz, Classical and Rock, all selected and designed by the students.
In addition to their five appearances at both the Tournament of Roses Parade in California and the Lord Mayor's Parade in London, the TIGER MARCHING BAND has represented Delaware at the inauguration of three presidents, appeared in two Orange Bowl Parades, the dedication of the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, DC and the Macy*s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York. The TIGERS have performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington, The Royal Albert Hall, London, the National Concert Hall in Dublin, Ireland for the New Year’s Day celebration and in the Peace Parade in Rome and Vatican City. at the Dover International Speedway for a NASCAR Race, as well as local holiday and festival parades.
The TIGER MARCHING BAND has been featured on ABC, BBC, CBS, FOX and the Irish National Network, as well as major televised sports events at home and abroad. Band members, grades 9 through 12, make up 20% of the schools student population and have placed 1st in every marching competition they have entered since 1989. Often referred to as “the Jock Band”, the vast majority of the band’s members participate in one or more varsity sports. The majority are honor roll students as well.
At the opening of 2009, the TIGER MARCHING BAND were globetrotters as they appeared in both Lord Mayor’s Day Parade on New Year's in London, England and represented Delaware during the Inaugural Parade in Washington, DC for President Barack Obama and his Vice-President Joesph Biden, who represented our state for more than 30 years in the US Senate.
- 2009: The inauguration of President Barack Obama
- 2009: The Lord Mayor's New Year’s Day Parade, London, England (also 2005, 1989, 1992, 1996)
- 2008: The Tournament of Roses Parade, Pasadena, California
(also 1990, 1995, 1999, 2004)
- 2007: The New Year’s Day Peace Parade, Rome and the Vatican
- 2006: The Fiesta Bowl Parade, Phoenix, Arizona
2003: The St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Dublin, Ireland
(also 1993, 1997, 2000)
- 2001: The Orange Bowl Parade, Miami, Florida (also 1998)
- 1994: The Hall of Fame Bowl, Tampa, Florida
- 1991: The Macy*s Thanksgiving Day Parade, New York
- 1989: The Inauguration of President George H. W. Bush
- 1987: 6ABC Thanksgiving Day Parade, Philadelphia (1987 – 2009)
- 1982: The Dedication of the Vietnam War Memorial,
Washington, D.C.
- 1976: The Inauguration of President Jimmy Carter
WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY
“You should be very proud to be ranked among the top 5% of high school bands in America.”
Edward P. Ogle, Tournament of Roses
“Certainly The Tiger Marching Band is one of the finest in the nation.”
George Cavender, Director Emeritus, the University of Michigan
“The Tigers are the mega-band from the mini-state. What a sound!”
CBS Commentator, The Orange Bowl Parade
“Your halftime show was absolutely spectacular!”
Entertainment Director, New York Jets
The TIGER MARCHING BAND is directed by Paul L. Parets, honored as Delaware Teacher of the Year in 1987, and named to Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers in 1997 and 2004. Mr. Parets is in his 33rd year as the Director of Bands at A.I. duPont High School. The Assistant Director is Richard F. Weaver, III, a TIGER BAND alumnus. The Band Front Advisor is Lauren Conrad.
For further information, contact Paul L. Parets at 302.651.2626 or pparets@aol.com . Richard Weaver can be reached at richard.weaver@redclay.k12.de.us.
