East Panhandle Times

The Martinsburg High School band has been selected to perform at the Cherry Blossom Parade on April 12. This event is part of the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C., which marks the arrival of spring with blooming cherry blossom trees.

Band director Casie Rogers Adams revealed that she submitted the application for this opportunity last year, prior to the band's performance at Disney World. The application process was comprehensive, requiring a band biography, video, questionnaire, uniform description, awards and recognitions, photos, and a list of previous parade appearances. The band's acceptance was confirmed in December.

“The students were ecstatic,” Adams stated. “I don’t remember if I ever told them that I applied, so they had no idea. It’s history-making from then on, so it was really special.”

This marks the first time the Bulldog Band will participate in this parade. Adams is dedicated to providing new experiences for her students and recalled attending the Cherry Blossom Parade in 2014 while student teaching at Jefferson High School under John Lynch.

“It was such a big and memorable event,” Adams said. “I’m always looking for opportunities to get the kids out there. I’ve mentioned this before, but 2025 is extra special to me because I’ve been the band director for these kids since sixth grade. They are what our show is all about this year, so it makes this even more special.”

In April, over 130 students will travel to Washington D.C., joining bands from across the nation. The parade will proceed along Constitution Avenue featuring balloons, floats, and celebrity performers. The Bulldog Band plans to perform “Take Me Home, Country Roads” during their appearance.

As West Virginia's sole representative band at the event, Adams noted that when they played "Take Me Home, Country Roads" at Disney World previously, many people sang along in various languages. This song holds wide appeal and excitement for representing their state.

Under Adams' leadership as band director, significant growth has been observed within the band program. She anticipates having approximately 150-160 students next year and remains enthusiastic about expanding opportunities for her students.