FMHS Band invited to St. Patrick’s Day parade in Dublin

Wednesday morning, more than 170 band students at Fort Mill High School learned they’d received an invitation to perform at the St. Patrick’s Parade in Ireland in 2013.

Fort Mill Band Director John Pruitt tells WRHI the process started earlier this year — but came to a T today with the big unveiling.

Pruitt says now that the word is out — the next major hurdle lies with the Fort Mill School Board to approve the trip that stands more than 16 months away. But planning starts next week with the band boosters getting a round number on the cost of the trip.

Just two weeks ago, the Nation Ford High School Band — also from Fort Mill — had their 63 seconds of fame on NBC during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade.

Pruitt says he’s confident that fundraising and community support will help defray the cost of the trip for students.

FULL INTERVIEW: Pruitt speaks to WRHI’s Andrew Kiel.
[audio: 1207-Pruitt-Full.mp3]