"There was a lot to look at and we were afraid at first" of marching the four-mile, 42-block route down Fifth Avenue in the heart of Manhattan, Rebecca said. "We played fairly well, a little rocky in the beginning of the [Fighting Irish of Notre Dame theme song] and it was over before we knew it."

Rebecca and Marie said among the trip's few complications were that the band was running late for its scheduled 3 p.m. start time, had to change on the bus but then arrived to realize the parade, which started at 11 a.m., was running an hour behind. They said some more lighthearted problems, to the band moms at least, were a couple of drunken spectators who joined the band's dancers and mimicked Rebecca's conducting. The girls said they did not mind the crowd's spirit and appreciated cheers of "Go Mt. Hope!"

Freshman Madison Cardoza, who was on the left edge of her clarinet line, was in close proximity to some rowdy spectators.

"I just kept hearing people scream," she said. "One group yelled, 'Yeah, go Irish girl!'" referencing her red hair and freckles.

Madison said her first time in New York City was "amazing." She said marching in the parade was tiring; she commended the band's drummers, who carried heavy instruments and never stopped playing.

"I loved the lights on Broadway and the show ['Mary Poppins'] was amazing. Hanging out and joking around with my friends the whole trip was probably the best part," she said.

Rebecca and Marie said their favorite part of the trip was also the down time. They said they enjoyed touring the Museum of Natural History, the Wax Museum, "Mary Poppins" on Broadway and watching other bands perform in the parade.

"It was cool to see the North Carolina band in front of us. I was surprised they were smaller than us, about 60 people, and they gave us a shout out," Rebecca said.

Sophomore trumpet player Jilian Mestre said she also enjoyed the Carolina band and its support and that of the energetic crowd.

"We got great support throughout, and I think we did well for such a long parade," she said.

Junior baritone player Ian McCord agreed and said the city was more crowded and big than any he had ever seen. He said there was a lot to take in, which he did at some "awkward" moments in the parade when the band had to stop at traffic lights while cars drove by.

"A couple blocks in there were some drunk people who ran right through our lines," he said. Then 15 blocks in we passed a girl who was just screaming."

Overall, Ian said the trip was a jam-packed two days that was fun and productive for all.

The director's take

Band director Robert Arsenault said he could not be more proud of his group. He said they marched a long way with a lot of people "singing their praises" and shouting out, representing Rhode Island.

"It was an exceptional performance and a fantastic weekend," he said. "The weather was perfect and everyone made it."

Mr. Arsenault gave special praise to sophomore flag captain Jen Metthe ,who went against everyone's wishes, put her crutches aside and marched the whole parade with a sprained left ankle. Jen said she wrapped it and hoped for the best.

"I kept telling my self it didn't hurt. I'm kind of shocked I made it through," she said. "It really hurt a lot after."

Mr. Arsenault reveled in Jen's performance and those of his drum majors.

"They were spectacular and meticulous with their great responsibility, assuring everyone was aligned and on tempo."

By Jeremy Rosen

jrosen@eastbaynewspapers.com