18th Annual Pride of the Raiders Parent Marching and Midnight Madness: A Night of Music, Fun and Bonding

Memorial Stadium came alive Saturday night for the 18th annual Rider Band Parent Marching and Midnight Madness, a cherished event where the Pride of the Raiders gave a preview of their fall show, and parents and students came together for an unforgettable experience.

The night opened with a preview performance by the 63rd Pride of the Raiders of their competition show entitled "Into the Sunset".

But the real magic of the evening lay in the role reversal that followed. Students took on the role of teachers, guiding their parents through the intricate art of marching. This hands-on experience allowed parents to gain a deeper understanding of their children's dedication to their craft.

Rider band director, Loy Studer, emphasized the value of this unique learning opportunity: "Parent marching is a great event because the parents get to do 'real' learning with their kids. It is a very hands-on event. The kids teach the parents what they have been learning. That reinforces the student learning. By the end, the parents get to perform a short 'chunk' of what the kids have learned. The parents get a different appreciation of what goes into the performance. In the end, it is a great shared learning experience for parents and students."

This event went beyond just learning; it strengthened the bonds between parents and their musician children. It was an opportunity to share in the challenges and triumphs of their children's musical journey.

After the performance, the focus shifted from learning to leisure. Students enjoyed delectable food and games provided by the Rider Band and Orchestra Parents Association.

In its 18th year, the Rider Band Parent Marching and Midnight Madness once again demonstrated the power of music to bring people together. It showcased the talent and dedication of the Rider Band, while also nurturing connections between parents and students. This event served as a reminder that music has the remarkable ability to bridge gaps, inspire, and create lasting moments of unity.

In the words of Loy Studer, "In the end, it is a great shared learning experience for parents and students, and it brings our community closer together."