A “procedural error” is to blame for the Canby High School marching band missing their chance to participate in the Starlight Parade on Saturday.
The buses that had been expected to transport the more than 100 marching band members to the popular event in downtown Portland never showed up at Canby High, due to the mistake that Band Director Nick Luchterhand has taken responsibility for. Though some of the details are still a little vague, a news release from the Canby School District Monday said that although the required paperwork was completed and submitted by Luchterhand, “it was not processed properly.”
“I made some assumptions about the paperwork I submitted as part of the request for the field trip,” Luchterhand said in the release. “It’s my responsibility to make sure transportation is arranged, although I was not aware I needed to do so. I offer my sincerest apologies to all the band students, parents, and volunteers.”
Canby High School Principal Greg Dinse also apologized for the situation: “I am sorry that this procedural error caused our students to miss the Starlight Parade. I have worked with Nick and our support staff to ensure everyone knows the process moving forward. We know how hard these students practiced and prepared for the event. We value the entire band community: students, parents, and volunteers. We are sorry that this happened.”
To make up for the mishap, Rose Festival organizers have invited Canby High School’s band to perform in the Grand Floral Parade this Saturday, and the band has accepted the invitation. A bus request to transport students to the parade has already been filed, according to the district’s release.
“We are thrilled that the students’ hard work preparing for the Starlight Parade will be on display next weekend,” Principal Dinse said. “These students deserve a chance to shine.”
“I want the entire community to know how much we appreciate your support,” Luchterhand added.
The Rose Festival Grand Floral Parade will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday in Portland. It begins at the Memorial Coliseum and ends at Lincoln High School.
