Marines Will Strike Up The Band In Pasco County

LAND O’ LAKES, FL — Tampa Bay area residents who love bands with a patrioticl sound might want to jot a few dates down on their calendars. The Pasco County school district has announced that the Parris Island Marine Band plans to make several local appearances before the month of March is out.

The Marine band is required to visit each quadrant of the United States on an annual basis. Pasco County received this year’s honor at the request of U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, according to an email from Pasco County Schools.

The band’s first local performance will be in New Port Richey’s Chasco Street Parade on March 25. The parade kicks off rain or shine at 1 p.m. on Grand Boulevard in New Port Richey. The Marine band will follow its parade march with a free concert in Sims Park, the school district said.

Prior to the parade, school bands, student groups and JROTC units from across the county will be treated to a private concert, the district said.

The Marines will make a second appearance in Pasco County at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 26. This time, the band plans to take its music to the eastern side of Pasco. The appearance is set to take place at the Historic Dade City Courthouse, 37918 Meridian Ave. Spectators are asked to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets to take in the show.

Photo credit: On Jan. 6, 2017 at Marine Barracks Washington, DC, the Marine Band performed for a farewell ceremony in honor of Ray Mabus, the 75th United States Secretary of the Navy and the longest to serve as leader of the Navy and Marine Corps since World War I. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Master Sgt. Kristin duBois/released)