A few months ago I was perusing the band's online calendar and noticed the drumline was scheduled to perform at the Naples Winter Wine Festival. This three day festival is the most elite and exclusive charity event in all of Collier County. It includes sixteen celebrity chefs, 28 vintners, hundreds of bottles of the finest wines ever produced, plus one-of-a-kind items and trips that are auctioned off at the Ritz Carlton. Tickets begin at $8,500 per couple.
When I mentioned the festival to Mackenzie last month she said, "We'll probably wear our drumline t-shirts with jeans and you'll just drop me off at the Ritz". Meanwhile I'm thinking, "I doubt that but we'll see." In her defense, the drumline had played for the United Way charity earlier this year. It was a very casual event at a local park.
On Wednesday, I got a text from Mackenzie at school telling me that the drumline had to take a bus, dress in full uniform, and was in need of chaperones. I hadn't chaperoned any of her other previous trips, but she knew I would jump at the opportunity to attend this festival, sister "had my back" on this one. Apparently the band director has been trying for five years to get his drumline invited to this premiere event because of all the other opportunities it may provide.
Before boarding the bus, the students were informed by the band director that they were not to engage in conversation with any of the attendees, they were not to touch or even breathe on the Ferrari F12berlinetta (auction item), or gawk at any of the billionaires and their wealth. They were told to think of themselves as hired help and their job was to perform.
The students were not paid any money to perform but they were given a free lunch. Once they arrived at the Ritz Carlton they were ushered into a private room and treated to pizza.
After lunch they were escorted out to the lawn to perform a number of cadences while the guests mingled and enjoyed wine and appetizers.
An announcement was made for the guests to follow the drumline into the tent to find their seats so the live auction could begin.
Inside the tent the drumline played a few more cadences before exiting.
My favorite part of being inside the tent was seeing the drumline performing on the large screen monitors.
All of my photos were taken using my iphone. I left my good camera at home because I didn't want to be considered a gawker either. I was surprised by how many members of the press were in attendance. The Naples Daily News posted some great pictures of the band.
On a side note, over 8.5 million was raised at the live auction. The Ferrari F12berlinetta sold for $750,000.
