Think these kids aren't athletes? They started their stretching and warmups a little after 5pm. The parade kicked off at 6. They proceeded to march 5 miles while carrying heavy instruments, dancing, high-kicking and playing a number of songs. I can't guess how many gallons of water they consumed before we got to the disbanding area at 10:30. Every kid along the parade route that stuck out a hand got a smile and high-fives from the band members.. So many times I heard comments such as: "Wow...these guys are really good", "that's Tulane!", and "thank you for coming to our parade!" You can't help but take pride in our university, our band, and each of these kids.
Oh yeah. All this with no place to pee. There's that.
The band is still looking for a couple more volunteers for Rex, and for Krewe of Ponchartrain. Responsibilities are simple: carry water bottles and keep everyone hydrated, answer a lot of questions to parade goers, and throw a few beads. If you're a Tulane alumnus, in moderately good physical condition, can avoid excessive micturition for several hours and wish to help, here's a website: http://www.tulaneband.org/news/mardigras2019
Afterward, you'll feel selfish for having taken the opportunity. I promise you'll want to do it again.
