Some Lake Zurich band members delayed in Madrid
Weather problems in the States forced some members of Lake Zurich High School’s marching band to stay in Madrid longer than planned after performing in a prestigious parade.
Ryan Rubenstein, the high school’s assistant principal for activities and facilities, said one group landed at O’Hare International Airport as originally planned Monday afternoon. The flight home was canceled Monday for a second group of band students and chaperones, but they are scheduled to depart Tuesday, he said.
Lake Zurich’s marching band played before an estimated 2 million or so spectators in central Madrid on Sunday for the eve of the Epiphany, at the Cabalgata de Reyesor Three Kings Parade, which has animals and extravagant floats. Sunday’s parade ended in late evening with the arrival of the Three Kings on the last float to reach Plaza de la Cibeles. Monday was a national holiday in Spain.
In a blog, band director Jason Thompson wrote the remaining traveling party of 77 was booked at the 869-room Auditorium Madrid Hotel. He said the group’s airline was paying the expenses.
Thompson said the group is supposed to fly from Madrid to New York, then connect for the final leg to O’Hare. No one will miss classes, because District 95 has called off school for Tuesday citing dangerously cold weather conditions.