North American Tour 2010

From June 24 to July 13, AYB toured America, Mexico and Canada with the main focus of the trip being the Calgary Stampede in Canada. The tour was a tremendous success with the band performing exceptionally well at all 11 of our performances. AYB was also awarded several honours while on tour in North America.

AYB first arrived in San Francisco, with a performance at Fisherman's Wharf. We then continued to enjoy the attractions and events of the west coast of North America, travelling to Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas and Tijuana, Mexico. We also performed at Disneyland and Universal Studios in Los Angeles, as well as the Independence Day Parade on Coronado Island and the San Francisco Pride Parade, among others.

After touring the west coast, the band flew north to Calgary, Canada for the Calgary Stampede. This event is the largest marching band festival in the world, attracting 1.2 million visitors every year. AYB performed in the Calgary Stampede Parade (all 6km of it!) and also had the opportunity to watch presentations from elite marching bands from around the world.

Comments on our performances:
Disney annual pass holder in our audience - "I visit Disneyland a few times each week to listen to performances, and I can honestly say that your ensemble is one of the best that I have seen on the Garden Stage."
 
Michelle Fior - Stampede Chairman of Bands - "I heard the band playing from two blocks away - what a great sound, very musical and a really tight performance. Please come back in 2012 for the 100th Anniversary."
 
Melanie - our Disney Representative - "By far the most musical group I have seen perform in the 7 years I have been working at Disney Arts."

David Reynolds - Volunteer Calgary Stampede host - "AYB is probably the most easy and fun group that I have hosted over my many years as a volunteer Stampede host."

Calgary Stampede parade judges - "All in step, nice and tight musically, very loud!" ... "Great Band! Great energy musically, great uniforms and for a small band, good sound!" ... "This is an excellent band. Very strong musicians in each section. Great work, great preparation, fantastic leadership."
 
Tour Awards:
San Francisco Pride Parade - ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS VISITING CONTINGENT
Coronado Independence Day Parade - THIRD PLACE
Calgary Stampede Parade - THIRD PLACE