As a college freshman at University of Delaware, Melanie Bugher, right, made a smooth adjustment from the 50-member band and guard in West Windsor to the approximate 350-member band and guard at Delaware. But, she never expected to be performing in Washington D.C. for the inauguration. A graduate of High School South, Class of 2008, Bugher, a member of the marching band color guard, will be bringing “Pirate Pride” to the parade on Pennsylvania Avenue on Inauguration Day.
Vice President-elect Joe Biden is a Delaware alumnus, as is his wife Jill Jacobs-Biden. The chance of Delaware performing in the inauguration parade was leaked to band members following the election last fall, but a record number of applications from bands wishing to perform in the inaugural parade meant that Delaware had to wait weeks for a decision on their trip to Washington. Luckily, the good news was confirmed shortly before the students left for winter break.
During her four years at South, Bugher participated in both marching band color guard and indoor winter guard, including being assistant captain of the marching band color guard her senior year. During her high school years, the Pirate marching band and color guard received numerous awards and competitions, including at performances in Giants, Ravens, and the Naval Academy stadiums.
So on Tuesday January 20, Bugher will add marching in the inauguration parade to her resume, reports her father, Blair Bugher, a West Windsor resident. “A lot of High School South Pirate Pride will be carried with her as she passes the reviewing stands.”
“The security is so tough that unfortunately all we get to do is perform our routine down Pennsylvania Avenue, but it is still going to be awesome,” she says. “I can’t wait to go.”
