Participants

“Ape Calessino” is the Italian name for the Asian “tuk tuk” but to be honest, they are not the same. The Ape Calessino, like Vespa, is produced by Piaggio as part of our ‘Made in Italy’ campaign celebrating all that is Italian. In this Italian classic vehicle we will show you the very heart of our Italian Lifestyle. So get on board the Ape Calessino to enjoy the magnificent Eternal City with us. We can also offer you a wide range of private tours, including food and wine tours to Rome and throughout Italy in a variety of classic Italy vehicles.

Social Media: www.38incoming.it

About

The Angelo State University Ram Band from San Angelo, Texas is made up of students from across campus. The Ram Band performs at all home football games, in local and state exhibitions, and at other special events. Rome 2024 is the band’s second international performance!

Since 2018, the Ram Band has received two international performance invitations and two invitations to perform at the UIL State Marching Championship, both firsts in program history.

Dr. Jonathan Alvis is Director of Bands at Angelo State where he directs the concert bands and Ram Band, oversees the entire band area, teaches music education classes, and directs the Summer Music Camp. Students under Alvis’ mentorship have a proven record of success with nearly 100% gaining employment as teachers or successfully continuing on to graduate schools across the country. Under his direction, the Ram Band has received invitations to march at the Texas UIL State Marching Championships, the London New Year’s Day Parade, and the Rome New Year’s Day Parade, all firsts in program history.

Social Media:

Website: www.angelo.edu/music

Facebook: Angelo State University Music

Youtube: @AngeloStateMusic

About

Archbishop Riordan High School is a private, coeducational Catholic school in the Marianist Tradition located in the city in San Francisco, California. It includes an international boarding program to which students from all over the world can attend. The Crusader Marching Band is the largest and most active of its type in the city of San Francisco, performing at various marching competitions, such as: civic parades, school/city events, and other performances around the Bay Area, the United States, and the world! Archbishop Riordan prides itself in having an accelerated beginning band program at the high school level – around 80% of the students performing started on their instruments in the 9th grade.

In addition:

– The Crusader Band performed in the 2017 Rome New Years Day Parade & Celebration
– The Crusader Band performed in the 2019 London New Years Day Parade & Festival
– Archbishop Riordan High School boasts an international boarding program in which high school students from all over the world can attend (including Italy!).

Lance C. Ohnmeiss (Director of Bands) is an educator, professional conductor, hornist, and a member of the CMEA Bay Section board of directors. Mr. Ohnmeiss holds a Masters of Music in instrumental conducting from Messiah Univeristy in Pennsylvania and a Bechelors of Music in music education from San Francisco State University.

Social Media:

Website: www.riordanhs.org

Facebook: riordanband

Youtube: @RiordanBand

Artefatti Stilts started from an idea of its director, Miriam Abutori and by 1995 it was fully established in Rome. Since then, Artefatti Stilts have worked extensively in Italy and across Europe. They have collaborated with many different artists including Achille Lauro and participated in a variety of festivals, on MTV and other TV programmes, and in large events like the Venice Carnivale Parade, Rome Parade and the Festival Bar Show. They have worked with big brand names including Ducati and Corona. They are a regular feature at the Singita Miracle Beach Club.

Miriam Abutori is an actress, performer, stilt walker and singer. She trained in both classical and contemporary dance. She has also studied Butoh, a form of traditional Japanese Dance. Miriam founded the L’Accademia degli Artefatti in 1990 and since then she has been the choreographer, set designer and director of the group. She is also responsible for the design and realisation of the group’s costumes.

Social Media

Instagram: https://youtube.com/artefattiperformance?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

YouTube https://youtube.com/user/adaperformanceTV

YouTube @ArtefattiStilts

President: Ivano Cavaterra.

L’Associazione encompasses a team of non-profit associations specialised in historical re-enactment. Lead by the group leader A.R.S. AUXILIA LEGIONIS – APS, it only performs under this name during the ROME PARADE to offer a more heterogenous spectacle of the many historical figures of Ancient Rome.  Each association has its specific characteristics. As the groups represents different epochs of the Roman Empire, often the commands in latin do not coincide and some of the participant might respond with a different action which is quite amusing.  After the event and during the group socials, this is often reason of great amusement.

It is an association specialised in historical re-enactment of the ancillary division of Syrian archers, who were part of specific divisions of the Roman Empire during the I – II centuries AD.  The association was formed with a view to highlight and celebrate the ancillary divisions called “ Auxillia” and in particular the division of archers called Sagitarii. Each element of the Association is certified and among his members are also several archery instructors belonging to the Unione Italiana Sport Popolare.

Website: www.avxilialegionis.org

Facebook: @AVXILIA.LEGIONIS

Instagram: @avxilia.legionis/

YouTube: AVXILIA LEGIONIS

‘Amilcare, gentleman of the world’, during their countless travels, even across the Channel, have collected a wide variety of pedal wonders of the world, from the elegant Penny Farthing (velocipede) to the agile Velocipedino, from the majestic Cargo Chopper, to the incredible Bicinversa, amongst many others. Amilcare Polpacci leads the circus with pedals transforming the street into a catwalk, the squares into circus tracks and the sidewalks into stages with lots of limelight. The project was created with the full support from crowd funding. ‘The Commodore ate so many oysters and drank so much Chardonneat the Osteria del Moro in Orvito that he no longer distinguished his faithful mount, and then climbed astride the plow like a planter of the restaurant and drove it to Pavia.’

Website: www.chienbarbu.it

Facebook: @compagniapolpacci

Presented and supplied by Megaflatables

The fearless and feared Centurion in his iconic Roman legionnaire’s uniform flies above the crowds ever-ready to form the famous impenetrable turtle battle formation to protect Rome from any marauding barbarians.

Balloon handlers for Rome Parade are students and supporters of St Paul’s Episcopal School Chorale and Newark Charter High School Concert Choir.

Megaflatables are one of the market leaders in inflatable advertising, supplying every conceivable shape and size balloon, blimp, even including an inflatable projection screen, to over 40 countries worldwide. Their motto is ‘if you can think it, we can make it’. Megaflatables are excited to be taking part in Rome Parade once again. As always, it is the highlight of our year!

Website: www.megaflatables.com

Twitter: @megaflatables1

Instagram: @megaflatables

About:

The Charlottesville High School Marching Knights have received the ‘Virginia Honor Band Award’ for a total of 29 times. Marking them as one of the top marching bands in the state. The band has experienced incredible growth over the past few years exceeding the 100 members mark this year. It is the band’s pursuit of excellence and continuity that have been the driving factors of this growth, and the marchers look forward to sharing their love of music with their audience.

The marching Knights allow students to participate in fall sports as well as be a part of the marching band. Since most fall conflicts with most other school’s practice time this makes CHS unique in the state. We’ve had multiple captains from golf, cross country, cheerleading, volleyball and even varsity football perform in the marching band.

Jason Hackworth is in his 12th year as a Director of Bands at CHS and 22nd year overall. He earned his Bachelors Degree from the University of Tennessee and his Masters from the University of South Carolina. While not working with the band Mr. Hackworth enjoys swimming competitively, reading, writing his own book, and spending time with his wife and three daughters.

Social Media: 

Website: cvillebands.com

Facebook: Charlottesville HS Band

Video:

About:

The Edward C. Reed High School Raider Band is located in Sparks, Nevada. Which is located 45 minutes away from the gorgeous Lake Tahoe positioned in the Sierra Mountains.

Reed HS has a student body of 2,000 students from around the area. The members of the Raider Band consists of students who also represent; Performing Arts, ROTC, Sports, Honors and Leadership classes within the school.

The Raider Band performed in the 2020 London New Years Day Parade with their second appearance since the early 1990s.

Ron Eichstedt is a native of Southern California and attended the University of Nevada Reno for his Bachelors in Music and Masters in Music. Ron Eichstedt resides in Sparks, Nevada with his wife Jessica, Children; Rosalie, Finnley, Kennedy and Cassian and Pets; Athena, Pearl and Autumn.

Social Media:

Website: www.raiderbands.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ecrraiderband/

Youtube: @OurRaiderLife

Presented and supplied by Megaflatables

Brandishing his trident, shield and stern face our Gladiator is always on the alert and ready to fight for his life to entertain the crowds. Will Caesar give him a closed fist or an open hand to let him fight another day.

Balloon handlers for Rome Parade are students and supporters of St Paul’s Episcopal School Chorale and Newark Charter High School Concert Choir.

Megaflatables are one of the market leaders in inflatable advertising, supplying every conceivable shape and size balloon, blimp, even including an inflatable projection screen, to over 40 countries worldwide. Their motto is ‘if you can think it, we can make it’. Megaflatables are excited to be taking part in Rome Parade once again. As always, it is the highlight of our year!

Website: www.megaflatables.com

Twitter: @megaflatables1

Instagram: @megaflatables

About:

The Howlin’ Husky Marching Band is from Overland Park, Kansas (USA). Over 120 members make up the marching performance ensemble. With nearly 200 students participating in the school band program. Perennially, the school’s four concert bands, marching band, colour guard, and jazz ensembles have received superior ratings from every judge at every entered competition. The students are supported by two full-time directors, eight staff members, and a parent booster group that all go above and beyond to create a positively life-changing experience for the student musicians.

Annually, the Howlin’ Husky Marching Band presents a GLOW SHOW where we turn off the stadium lights and perform in battery-operated glow suits. The local community members love this annual tradition!

Dr. Daniel Kirk holds degrees from Missouri Western State University (Music Education and Piano Performance, 2007), Northwestern University (MM Wind Conducting, 2015), and Michigan State University (DMA Wind Conducting, 2017). Mr. Kenneth Tysick holds degrees from Wichita State University (Music Education, 2014) and Bowling Green State University (MM Wind Conducting, 2018)

Kenneth is currently a band director in the Blue Valley School District in Overland Park, KS. Before coming to Blue Valley, he served as a band director in the Maize, Andover and St. Aloysius school districts. He is also the youth orchestra director for Church of the Resurrection’s Leawood campus. He holds a Bachelors of Music Education from Wichita State University and a Masters of Instrumental Music Education from Bowling Green State University.

Social Media:

Website: www.bvnwband.com

Twitter: @bvnwbands

Youtube: @bvnwbands

Presented and supplied by Megaflatables

Welcoming in 2024 with a bang! Well hopefully not literally in this case. The Rome New Year balloon starts off the celebrations of all things Rome brandishing the colours of the Italian flag and one of the most iconic sights of the Eternal City, the magnificent Colosseum.

Balloon handlers for Rome Parade are students and supporters of St Paul’s Episcopal School Chorale and Newark Charter High School Concert Choir.

Megaflatables are one of the market leaders in inflatable advertising, supplying every conceivable shape and size balloon, blimp, even including an inflatable projection screen, to over 40 countries worldwide. Their motto is ‘if you can think it, we can make it’. Megaflatables are excited to be taking part in Rome Parade once again. As always, it is the highlight of our year!

Website: www.megaflatables.com

Twitter: @megaflatables1

Instagram: @megaflatables

Presented and supplied by Megaflatables

Representing the great Senators of ancient Rome like, Julius Cesar, Cicero, Augustus and Constantine the Great, our Senator is larger than life and carrying in his hand the first proclamation of 2023 which tells us all to enjoy the Rome Parade and to wish you all a happy new year!

Balloon handlers for Rome Parade are students and supporters of St Paul’s Episcopal School Chorale and Newark Charter High School Concert Choir.

Megaflatables are one of the market leaders in inflatable advertising, supplying every conceivable shape and size balloon, blimp, even including an inflatable projection screen, to over 40 countries worldwide. Their motto is ‘if you can think it, we can make it’. Megaflatables are excited to be taking part in Rome Parade once again. As always, it is the highlight of our year!

Website: www.megaflatables.com

Twitter: @megaflatables1

Instagram: @megaflatables

Director: Roger Hayes

About the Dancers:

Spirit of America Productions are based in Dallas, Texas, USA. They provide parade performance opportunities to high school and college cheerleaders and dancers. Nationally, performances produced and choreographed by their staff, include the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York and the Miss American Boardwalk Parade in Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA. Internationally Spirit of America have performed in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland and London’s New Year’s Day Parade in London, UK. Amazingly their staff have been producing performance for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade for the past 36 years. This will be their second time performing in the Rome Parade.

Website: www.SpiritofAmericaProductions.com

Facebook: SpiritofAmericaProductions

Instagram: SOAProductions

About:

The Spirit of Great Oak enters it’s 20th year anniversary as a school, and under the Direction of Jerry Burdick-Rutz. During that time, the ensembles have been honored with several awards including, The California State Band Championship Bronze Medal in 2021, and the Gold Medal State Championship in 2022. The Drumline and Color Guard were selected as Champions both in 2021 and 2022.

About the Band Director:

Mr. Burdick-Rutz enters his 20th year as Director of Music at Great Oak H.S. He earned his masters Degree from the University of New Mexico & his Bachelors of Music from Michigan State University. At MSU, he was the Drum Major of the Spartan Marching Band, and was Drum Major of the 1993 World Champion Cadets of Bergen County Drum & Bugle Corps.

Social Media: 

Website: SpiritofGreatOak

Facebook: SpiritofGreatOak

Youtube: SpiritofGreatOak

Vespa Side Car Tours, Rome

Mr. Luca di Trapano

Vespa Side Car Tours are the first tour company in Rome to offer this unique experience. This new, original and fun experience is ready to meet all your expectations of this perfect tour. Our custom built, modern and comfortable Vespa Side Cars will take you on a three hour ride through Rome led by an official guide who will drive you from one breath taking location to another.  The Vespa Side Car Tour company started in 2018 and since then, more than 10,000 people have lived and loved their experience with us.

Mr di Trapano is a tourist guide with a degree in art history.  He is very passionate and sensitive, and still very much in love with his work.  He spends his working days surrounded by beauty and like a modern minstrel he tries to convey to his guests  all the wonders that Rome has to offer. He narrates the story of the city and of those who lived there in a  period spanning over 2775 years, with anecdotes, legends and idiomatic expressions.

Social Media

Website: vespasidecartour.com

Instagram: @vespasidecartour

About:

The Vestavia Hills Rebel Marching Band is the largest performing ensemble at Vestavia Hills High School. The group is composed of musicians ranging from grades 9 to 12. The Rebel band can be regularly seen supporting the Vestavia Hills Rebel Football team on Friday nights as well as many local and regional events.

The Vestavia Hills Rebel Marching Band has celebrated 53 years of existence. The band’s performance in this year’s Rome New Years Day parade marks the band’s third international performance.

The Vestavia Rebel Marching Band is under the direction of Jerell Horton and Heather Palmer. Mr. Horton and Mrs. Palmer have led the band since 2006. Under their direction the band has performed in several local and regional festivals including appearances in the Fiesta Bowl Parade, the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Parade, the Fiesta Flambeau Parade, the London New Years Day Parade and the Dublin New Years Day Parade.

Social Media:

Website: Vestavia Hills Rebel Marching Band

Youtube: @vhrebelband

About

The West Boca Raton High School Band, known as the “Vanguard”, is made up of 175 student musicians performing in seven different musical ensembles. The band programme features the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Jazz Bands 1 & 2, Marching Band, and Percussion Ensemble. This is the marching band’s third performance trip to Europe, having performed in London for the New Year’s Day Parade back in 2016 and 2020.

About the Band Director:

Mr. Larry Shane, a National Board Certified teacher, received his Bachelor’s degree in Music from the University of Miami in 1991 and his Master’s degree in Education from the University of Central Florida in 2004. He is currently in his twelfth year as the Band Director at West Boca Raton High School, with previous experience teaching at high schools in both Florida and North Carolina.

Social Media:

Website: www.wbhsvanguard.org

Facebook: WBocaRatonHSB

Youtube: WBHSVanguard