Before the Brass Band Parade
by Ray Devlin
Title
Before the Brass Band Parade
Artist
Ray Devlin
Medium
Photograph
Description
One of the most common sights during Mardi Gras in New Orleans, and indeed during most parts of the Southern United States is the High School Marching Band.
These brass bands usually perform between every 2nd or 3rd parade float, as the Krewe’s roll down St Charles Avenue in Uptown New Orleans. They are a highly treasured facet of southern culture, and are full of quirks and imperfections that have become so endearing to the Mardi Gras crowds.
Regardless of those quirks – be it the ill fitting (passed down) uniforms or the dance steps which are out of tune with the music, the High School Marching Bands were always a part of Carnival that tried to photograph. Some of the best places to actually get those photographs, though, is just prior to the parade. This is when you can catch a glimpse of the musicians running through their dance moves, or practicing their music.
This particular shot is an example of the kids practicing – it was taken on the neutral ground on Napoleon Avenue, just before the parade rolled down St Charles. I found this particular scene quite amusing, not just because of the clothes, but because the kid on the right seemed not to be quite in tune with his band mates. Pre-parade scenes during Mardi Gras can be full of such quirky sights, which was why I often made an effort to get to the starting position early during my time in New Orleans.
Uploaded
October 5th, 2012
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