BUSY BEE BAND & HONEYBEES

2007 Norfolk International Azalea Festival

The Busy Bee Band & Honeybees departed for Norfolk, Virginia on Friday, April 20th. Upon arrival in the City, the group performed aboard the USS Wisconsin which is located at the Nauticus, a maritime-themed museum and science center. Following the performance, the group attended a dinner aboard the Spirit of Norfolk. The cruise ship took the group down the historic Elizabeth River where they were treated to an evening of dance, star-quality entertainers and the exciting skyline view of Norfolk, including the Navy's Atlantic Fleet.

The Busy Bee Band & Honeybees performing aboard the USS Wisconsin

On Saturday, The Busy Bee Band & Honeybees participated in the 54th International Azalea Festival. Seventeen high school bands representing six states participated in the event. Several thousand people from all over the world participated in and watched the parade, which was televised on regional stations. All NATO member nations were represented and the Busy Bee Band & Honeybees led this year's "Most Honored Nation," The United Kingdom. That evening, at an awards ceremony that all participants in the parade were invited to, the Busy Bee Band & Honeybees was awarded Best Overall Marching, Best Overall Music and Queen Bee Meghan Kinty was awarded Best Drum Major. The group was presented as Grand Champions of the Parade of Nations, winning a gold medal representing a rating in the 90th percentile based on a national grading scale.

The Busy Bee Band & Honeybees participating in the 54th Annual Azalea Festival Parade of Nations leading in the United Kingdom delegation.

Following the awards ceremony, the members of the Busy Bee Band & Honeybees were treated to the Virginia International Tattoo. The 850-member cast of the Tattoo storms Scope Arena with marching bands, massed pipes & drums, military drill teams, display acts, choral groups, Celtic dancers and color guards. Groups that participated included the United States Navy Fleet Forces Band, the Traditional Band of the Army of the Republic of Korea, the Bermuda Islands Regiment and Pipe Band, the United States Coast Guard Ceremonial Honor Guard Silent Drill Team, the United States Quantico Marine Corps Band and The Band of Her Majesty's Royal Marines. On Sunday, the group had a day of relaxation at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Virginia. Following several hours in the park, the band traveled back to Fairmont.

Director Earl McConnell, Queen Bee Meghan Kinty and Band Commander Eric Allen join Dr. Michael A. Mazzarisi and his wife Sherry of Performing Arts Consultants following the awards ceremony at Scope Arena.