Our girls went to high school at John Paul College a local school. It was a private Christian college. In 1990 Carol had finished school and was at University but Sonya was in Year 11 at JPC. Both girls had followed in their father's footsteps and played the trumpet. They had both been in the school concert band and marching band. Marching Bands were not popular in Australian schools but the music teacher at JPC decided to form a marching band at JPC. The school invited Canadian Marching Bands to visit JPC and coach the teachers and children in marching band techniques.
In 1990 JPC Marching Band was invited to the Calgary Stampede and the International Marching Band competition in Calgary. The children organised all kinds of fund raising activities to raise $500,000 the cost of getting 200 children to Canada and Disneyland in LA.
Sonya is on the right.
After months of practice and fund raising they were on their way.
Carol farewelling her sister at the airport.
The students almost filled the 747. (Sonya second row on the right) They had 15 hours to travel to LA and then more to Calgary. The students were billeted by Canadian families. They had to quickly adjust to the time difference and be ready for an 8km march through Calgary. The flag girls came first and the band came second.
Sonya left.
They performed in a concert and later in the International Marching Band Competition.
We couldn't believe the news that John Paul College had won the competition against Canadian and American teams. (Blue and red uniforms)
On the ay home they were invited to March at Disneyland and the Spruce Goose.
There was a huge welcome home crowd at the airport with banners and balloons. The captains of the band held their trophies high as they emerged from customs.
Carol congratulated her sister.
Bill, Grandma and I were all very proud.
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