John P. Sousa Award Recipient Alex Schneider
Louis Armstrong Recipient Lila Balding
Choir Teacher ​Mr. Warren Weitkamp

On Monday, May 25th, a bugler and a chamber ensemble (clarinet trio) performs at the Noble Memorial Day Ceremony. The Symphonic Band, the Honors Wind Ensemble, & the drumline all performing at the Olney Memorial Day parade and ceremonies.

Here are the details regarding the Noble and Olney Memorial Day Parade Ceremonies:

NOBLE: The Cornerstone Community Church and the Mayor of Noble hosts a Memorial Day ceremony at the cemetery in East Noble. In the event of rain, the ceremony will be held in the Cornerstone Community Church (160 E. Elm St. Noble, IL). Immediately after the Noble ceremony, the quintet and bugler will join the band at the Olney VFW.

OLNEY: The VFW is hosting a Memorial Day parade and ceremony. The parade will begin at the Olney VFW. The ceremony will take place immediately after the conclusion of the parade at Haven Hill Cemetery (just north of the City Park). In the event of rain, the ceremony shall be held in the VFW hall.

The uniform is khaki shorts, black polo shirts, black socks, belt (preferably black), and either Drillmaster shoes or CrossOver shoes. Students will also need flip folders, lyres, and instruments.

The times are as follows:
Cornerstone Community Church at the Cemetery in East Noble

8:30 AM: Call-time for bugler and clarinet trio at RCHS
8:35 AM: Change into performance attire, warm-up and run through music
9:05 AM: Bugler & quartet leaves for Noble Cemetery in a school van
9:30 AM: Bugler & quartet arrive at the cemetery in East Noble.
10:00 AM: Noble Ceremony (bugler & quartet only)
IMMEDIATELY AFTER GOD BLESS AMERICA & TAPS: Return to Olney and join the band at the Olney VFW.

9:30 AM: Call-time at RCHS (all but bugler & chamber ensemble)
10:00 AM: Load bus and depart for Olney VFW followed by Haven Hill Cemetery
10:15 AM: Parade line-up at the Olney VFW or at the cemetery (based on time)
10:45 AM: Parade step-off (parade begins)
11:00 AM: Olney Memorial Day ceremony at Haven Hill Cemetery.

I anticipate the parade and the ceremony won't last longer than an hour and a half, which will put the band back at the school around 12-12:30 PM.

The band is performing the following songs:
TAPS (Noble ceremony only)
​God Bless America (Noble ceremony only)
Hosts of Freedom
Star Spangled Banner

Not required for this ceremony:
Army
Marines
Navy
Coast Guard
Air Force
Merchant Marines

Please bring water with you to this event. I encourage students to bring a water canteen. Canteens/coolers need to go on the bus. Please drink plenty of water!

Please feel free to contact me should you have any questions, comments, or concerns.

2026 RCHS Graduation Ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, May 17th from 3-5 pm in the Ron Herrin Gym. The call-time for graduation is 2 pm in the rehearsal hall.  This performance features the Honors Wind Ensemble and the Symphonic Band. The attire for the venue is concert black-and-white (tuxedos and concert dresses). All students, except for seniors, are expected to attend.