A big honor for the South Dakota State "Pride of the Dakotas" Marching Band.
They've been chosen to march in the Fresh From Florida Parade on New Years Eve.
We were there in Brookings for their final practice before the big day.
Brian Allen has the story.
Strike up the band!Inside a ballroom on the campus of South Dakota State, you'll find music and a lot of it. And you will also find a ton of pride.
"We're so excited, I mean this is the last practice before we actually leave and go down to Florida and have a great time," Karin Hanson said.
Drum major Karin Hanson is ready to go now.
She helps lead the Pride of the Dakotas Marching Band and every member here is proud of the fact that they will represent South Dakota on national TV.
But there's one thing to overcome. The last time the band performed was November 5th. So what they're doing here is getting out some of the kinks.
"In order to make sure we sound good in Florida for the TV and all the people that are down there, we are rehearsing to learn the music," Jim Coull said.
Marching band director Jim Coull says his folks are going to get this right and that when they hit the parade route, they will nail it.
"We pride ourselves on being a very high energy, almost like the biggest rock band in the world," Coull said.
It is a lot of pressure. The music must be perfect. The marching must be flawless. But when it comes to show time, freshman Louise Perrion says the Pride of the Dakotas will stand out.
"We're just fun loving people. We want to have a good time. Not really serious and stuff," Perrion said.
We can't wait to see how they do.
Although the Fresh from Florida Parade is New Years Eve, it will be broadcast on television, January 8th and you will be able to see it right here on KSFY.
