The Pelham High School &8220;Tower of Power&8221; Marching Band was one of 17 high school bands from across the country selected to march in the Fiesta Bowl Parade on Dec. 30 in Phoenix, Ariz.

The Tower of Power Marching Band joined two other Alabama bands, Clay-Chalkville High and Moody High, in the annual parade.

The band performed &8220;Sweet Home Alabama&8221; to represent their hometown state.

Band Director Jeff Burnside said the parade committee was ecstatic about their music selection. &8220;They wanted each band to perform something unique, and being from Alabama and in Arizona, we were sure to stand out with this song.&8221;

This is Burnside&8217;s eighth year with PHS and his fourth visit to the Fiesta Bowl. Wife, Katy Burnside, the color guard sponsor, said this is a wonderful opportunity for the students to travel and spend time

with their friends over the holidays.

&8220;It is a great trip for them. Many of them have never been on a plane before and seeing their reaction when we fly and ride on the train is priceless,&8221; said Katy.

The band department provided various fund-raisers for the trip, but each student was in charge of funding their own expenses. The students participated in different activities throughout their time in Phoenix, such as horseback riding, a train ride to the Grand Canyon and a New Years&8217; Eve bash.

Kaitlyn Burnside, a 15-year-old freshman, plays the clarinet for the Tower of Power. This was her first Fiesta Bowl. &8220;I am very excited to march in the parade and spend time with my friends,&8221; said Kaitlyn.

Approximately 175 people made the trip, including chaperones, auxiliary, band members and five staff members. &8220;It is such a fun time, being there and enjoying all the hoop-la,&8221; said Katy.

The parade and bowl game are put together by two different organizations. The band did not attend the actual game due to tickets being so costly, but Burnside said they were going to definitely be watching.

The Tower of Power returned back to central Alabama earlier today.

PHS previously performed in the parade in 2002.