Over 100 marching band and color guard members are in Paris over winter break to perform in the La Grande Parade de Paris at the Champs Elysées. 

“[Traveling and performing across the world] is just the difference in the educational value in it,” Josh Thompson, band director, said. “It is nice to go on a trip to a Bulls’ game, or a parade somewhere in the United States, but when it comes down to going overseas, I just watch students eyes open up as they learn how big the world is, and we are less isolated.”

The marching band takes a trip, both international and national, every three years. Past trips have included Madrid, London, San Diego, and Disneyland. 

“I’m looking forward to getting to immerse myself into the new culture, and I am trying to learn some French so I won’t be completely helpless when we get there,” Jessie Houghton, junior drum major, said.

These trips are a great way for band members to show their LZHS pride all over the country and the world, according to Houghton. Students from all grade levels are on the trip, playing music from last year.

“I’m used to being able to learn songs quickly so I’m not really nervous about that aspect of it,” Logan Boehm, freshman, said.

Due to last years’ terror attack in Paris, some concerns about the trip did arise, but not enough to cancel or delay it.

“If I had major concerns, we wouldn’t be doing the trip,” Thompson said. “If I was overly concerned about the behavior of the students, and I wouldn’t trust them, we wouldn’t [go to Paris].”