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photo by Marcus Frazier
Natchez High School dance team member Chelsea Stewart, 15, flows with the motion as her dance squad marched in the Natchez Christmas Parade in downtown Saturday evening.
Natchez parade lights up night
Published Sunday, December 7, 2008
NATCHEZ — For Ami Scott, it wouldn’t be Christmas without spending a cold winter night in downtown Natchez.
Scott said the Natchez Christmas parade has been a staple in her family’s Christmas plans for longer than she can remember.
The parade is so important to her family that this year, when the family of four was paring down the hectic holiday schedule, cutting out the annual parade wasn’t even discussed.
“It was non-negotiable according to the kids,” Scott said.
The mother of two said she couldn’t fathom what her children would say if they didn’t head out to the parade.
“I don’t even want to think about it,” Scott said. “Not going isn’t worth their disappointment.”
This year’s “Around the World” theme certainly didn’t disappoint.
Floats, brightly lit with lights of all colors and sizes, some twinkling and some shining steady, rolled through downtown Natchez Saturday night.
One float, representing the U.S. Coast Guard, was shaped like a boat. Another, from Highland Baptist Church, features singing angels and a actor portraying Jesus waving to the crowd.
Though the floats were decorated for the enjoyment of the crowd some managed to take home awards.
The float taking home first place honors in the “Best representation of the theme” was the Eliza Pillars Registered Nurses of Mississippi float.
The “Best representation of a traditional Fhristmas” winner was Highland Baptist Church’s float titled “Gift of Jesus around the world.”
Winner in the “Most new and different” category was the royalty float from the Krewe of Pheonix.
Marching bands from as far away as Shreveport entertained the crowds with Christmas carols and local band In Red Letters played a mixture of Christmas songs and original music aboard the float sponsored by Doc Big Love’s.
No matter the size or design, they all had one thing that was especially pleasing to the crowds of children — candy.
“I like the candy,” 4-year-old Briana Reed said with plastic bag in hand.
Margaret Parsons had one good reason for bundling up for the parade.
“Her,” she said pointing at her daughter, Kate, dressed festively in reindeer antlers and a blinking red nose.
Kate Parsons, 4, was excited about the parade because Santa would be coming soon.
She was being especially well behaved because she knew he was close by and might bring her “a baby and a buggy.”
Margaret, who hasn’t missed a parade since Kate was a baby, said the Christmas parade was a tradition from her childhood is one she and her husband wanted to carry on with their daughter.
“We’ve been coming with her for three years since she was a baby,” Margaret said. “And I’ve been coming much longer than that.”
Carrie Scott traveled with her family from Fayette to see the Natchez parade because of its nighttime start.
“Last year was our first year to come to Natchez, and we decided to come back because it was fun for the kids,” Carrie Scott said. “The lights on the floats make it really pretty.”
Comments
Posted by roshi (anonymous) on December 7, 2008 at 8:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I just gotta say one thing about the parade last night..........and maybe this dates me some, but when I was in high school Natchez High had the band and the Rebelettes, and for the life of me I can't remember any dances like the marching girls with the Natchez High Band were doing last night..........was that appropriate for a Christmas parade that had mostly little kids watching? I'm not saying the dancing wasn't done well...it just reminded me more of a lap dance at a strip club than what our high school marching band should be doing...
But then I could be wrong, this is only my opinion...........peace--Roshi
Posted by gottabehappy (anonymous) on December 7, 2008 at 8:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
DITTO!
Posted by freedom42 (anonymous) on December 7, 2008 at 9:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Thank you roshi! You took the words right out of my mouth. I really enjoyed the first band from Co-Lin Wesson. Good drill team and played Christmas music. But the other two, OMG! I was totally embaressed for them. And people wonder why we have so much teen pregnancy.
It also bothered me that the ROTC cadets from the high school were laughing and joking and not even in step. They need to be taught that they are representing their country.
Posted by LdyBreez (anonymous) on December 7, 2008 at 10:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
That is why I no longer attend the parades with my children. The dance and drill teams have learned routines that are down right vulgar. A prime example was when the Alcorn Band use to march in our parade. The entire band was dancing in vulgar fashion. The children watching the parade get trampled by less disciplined children in a frenzy to get trinkets and candy. What use to be a fun family event is no longer fun or family friendly.
Posted by lad123 (anonymous) on December 7, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I could not agree more. There is supposed to be some class to the dances these schools do. The leadership of the school should have approved this before it gets to the public. The dance was a disgrace and if this is what we have to look for at the parades, no thank you. I was really embarassed to have my out of town guests here for our hometown parade to watch a group of dancers disgrace themselves.
Posted by nowgofigure (anonymous) on December 7, 2008 at 12:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
In all honesty, I have never known anyone to become impregnated from a dance routine that is similiar to a lap dance. Education and self-discipline are the keys to reducing teen pregnancy. Now, that's real talk.
Posted by dixiemama (anonymous) on December 7, 2008 at 12:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I was in the 1956 Natchez Christmas parade & it was at night. Like all the parades were at the time.
I guess it's just not safe to have them at night anymore.
Gosh dances like this had not even been imagined in little Natchez. Unless it was in a juke joint or Nellie Jacksons.
Theses so called school bands have completely gone over the edge. They are exploiting themselves. They have no self respect and apparenly their parents lack it also to allow such things to go on.
Posted by shedevil (anonymous) on December 7, 2008 at 4:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
was there any floats in the parade??? seems to me the democrat should take pictures of them instead of these dancers making a fool of themselves.
Posted by mslugirl (anonymous) on December 7, 2008 at 4:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I TRIED to go to WalMart in Vidalia around 3:00 this afternoon and was turned around at the Mobil station because of the parade. I thought that was the most rediculous thing I had encontered in a long time. You could see blue lights at the light at the high school, with no traffic between, so why were they keeping people from going a half block to WM???? I know this is not about Natchez parade, but just had to get it off my chest. I quit going to these "shows" a long time ago. I agree, shedevil.
Posted by naturegirl (anonymous) on December 7, 2008 at 10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
dixiemama, what year were we in the parade as Girl Scouts? Remember we carried a big banner and took turns walking and carrying it. That was when the parade went up Franklin, across Pine (now MLK) and down Main.
Posted by dixiemama (anonymous) on December 7, 2008 at 10:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
naturegirl
I was taking baton lessons the year I was in the Christmas parade. I'll write M.A.K she may remember, she also said she had some Brownie pictures she was going to look up. I never made it to the Girl Scouts I was only in the Brownies.
Posted by buttercup26 (anonymous) on December 8, 2008 at 1:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
maybe someone over the band will read this.. i remember 9 or so years ago when i was in the 'flag corp.' the band director, our teacher, and our captain made dang sure we were respectful young women fully dressed with routine to match before we even thought about representing our School/Town!! ((oh i'm talking about NATCHEZ HIGH SCHOOL believe it or not))
Posted by elvisss (anonymous) on December 8, 2008 at 4:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Trash.
Posted by Campbell (anonymous) on December 8, 2008 at 8:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The dancing was very disgusting, and the lack of traffic control afterward had my blood pressure up. I don't believe I'll be attending another Natchez Christmas parade.
Posted by nhs08 (anonymous) on December 8, 2008 at 8:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
ok, ok, let's break down the situation: 1) Vulgar dancing...what you saw at the parade is what you would find on MTV or BET. It IS a style and NOT vulgar...don't like it, don't watch. 2) Band not playing christmas music...well we went into the second round of the playoffs and with a week off for thanksgiving that left the band with only 4 days to prepare any new music...not happening...deal with it. 3) Band dancing vulgar...it was not...simply just a few dance steps...if you saw something vulgar it was an isolated incident...
You people are in no position to judge...you want to complain about every little thing about Natchez High from test scores to football scores to the band and drill team. GET A GRIP. You would all be complaining if the band marched like toy soldiers down the street and played It Came Upon A Midnight Clear. The band is a product of what the people want to see.
As far as Co-Lin "good drill team and played Christmas music"... I got responses that they were very boring and bland...no life or spirit.
If you want to degrade the kids or have a problem with the band kids I invite any of you to come to band hall one day and tell them or myself how disappointed you are in them...band meets every day from 2:45- 3:40. Come see us. But you won't, b/c today it doesn't matter to you like it did yesterday or Saturday night. You just saw an opportunity to degrade yet another part of the Natchez School District and took it. Now That is pathetic! So sit in your ivory tower and look down at the band and drill team and you will reap what you sow. Maybe next time someone will make nasty comments about your child or your childs organization...and we will see how you react. This is my only post for this story, I will not comment on any other posts...if you have something to say come say it in person. Good day and God Bless!!!
Posted by Campbell (anonymous) on December 8, 2008 at 9:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
NHS08:
I don't allow my children to watch BET or MTV, and I would not expect to find such vulgarness at a CHRISTmas parade in Natchez.
As far as the band being a product of what people want to see, you must have polled a select few to have come up with the product you displayed Saturday.
You are the adult in the band hall. You should be a GOOD role model instead of training girls to be future pole dancers.
And as for somebody coming to you and saying something in person, I don't think you are mature enough to handle it.
Posted by drawpaintsing (anonymous) on December 8, 2008 at 10:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I think the dances these young high school girls are doing now aren't appropriate, but I'm not going to judge them. This is happening everywhere, not only in Natchez.
Posted by nhs08 (anonymous) on December 8, 2008 at 10:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I know I said I wouldn't post to this story again, but I must.
Campbell, don't use the excuse that i am "not mature enough" to handle your comments to hide the fact you are not strong enough to back up your petty comments in front of the accused. As far as "training girls..." you seem to have alot of knowledge about what it takes to train a pole dancer.
Posted by enduserx (anonymous) on December 8, 2008 at 10:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Right on, Campbell. I wouldn't allow my kids to watch that junk. It's about Christ. Y'all can just skip this one and come to the Vidalia parade next year. Even the kids are more respectful and the parade is not all vulgar and ghetto.
Posted by squeetlebomb (anonymous) on December 8, 2008 at 10:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Natchez High School has made it's own reputation. Nobody has to belittle it. It has done it on it's own. The way the Drill Team Danced in the Christmas Parade and the band not being able to learn a simple Christmas Song, show exactly why the Hight School is having so many problems. A severe lack of discipline. 15 yrs. ago they would not have been allowed to participate if they could not come up with anything more respectful. Why do they think it is called the Christmas Parade, and little kids go to it. It is not the MTV parade. Our children need to be taught more respect.
Posted by Campbell (anonymous) on December 8, 2008 at 10:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
nhs08, your second response (and the fact that you reponded after saying you wouldn't) simply proves my point about your immaturity.
Like you said in your first post, "Good day and God bless!!!!"
Posted by drawpaintsing (anonymous) on December 8, 2008 at 11:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)
You know, I was thinking about something, and I might get slaughtered for what I'm about to say. I grew up and got my education in a public school district. The dancing girls danced like that then, and some of them were my friends. I routed them on. I'm grown now, and I feel different about that. Some of you are correct by saying it's not appropriate for Christmas. I agree, but it's not right to compare them to pole dancers and all of these other bad things. Like I said, it's what I grew up around, but that didn't make me who I am today. I'm sure some of these girls will grow up and be very nice young ladies.
Posted by mommy3 (anonymous) on December 8, 2008 at 12:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Regardless of previous comments, I would like to thank NDDA, Carrie Lambert, Darryl White, and everyone for organizing the parade again this year. As a former organizer, I know it is stressful, and can seem like it will never come together. But it always does, and the true Christmas Spirit comes out in all who participate. West Primary had a terrific time this year, and the kids were so happy to participate. Thanks again everyone!
Stephanie Spring-Bourke
West Primary teacher and PTA President
Posted by humorme (anonymous) on December 8, 2008 at 12:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
1956 Natchez? The KKK used to parade down Main St.
Posted by kpage1 (anonymous) on December 8, 2008 at 3:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
nhs08...The VAST majority of posters on this subject agree the dancing was vulgar and inappropriate. Of course the girls dance well and should be commended for doing so when it's appropriately done; it's the dance instructer who should have fingers pointing at her/him. SHE/HE is the one who agreed fierce crotch thrusting and vicious booty bouncing was fitting for 3-year olds watching a parade honoring Jesus, and yes, Santa.
Posted by Pixieview (anonymous) on December 8, 2008 at 3:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am not against Natchez High School by any means, in fact I am an alumni. I remember when the Colonel's Ladies and the original Lady Blues actually marched and danced during the parades. There were years in fact where the ladies made it to Nationals and I watched them perform on television among some of the best dance squads in the nation and they came in third. Back then it was dance, it was kick routines, it was props division. These women learned to do dances together that you would never see in a dance club. It may not have been what was popular among todays teens or even yesterdays teens while partying, but it was showing that these young women were above and beyond the routine dance of the everyday. The girls flowed in unison to the complex choreography mixing jazz, ballet and modern dance styles. As it stands any young woman at the high school who dances for recreation could do what these girls do. I would love to see the girls and their sponsor step up to the challenge of new and different choreography. Show everyone you are above the everyday and you can do something different. Challenge yourselves to do something different. Kick higher than the Rockettes! You can accomplish great things when you set your mind to it. Watch the National Dance competions on television and learn how winning teams win. It is amazing what you can discover when you look outside of the everyday. Do your homework and shoot for Nationals in the upcoming years. Oh, and another thing smile!!! You are supposed to look like you are having fun spreading Christmas cheer in your little santa oufits and I saw a lot of girls who looked bored or mad.
Posted by freedom42 (anonymous) on December 8, 2008 at 4:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
nhs08 I would guess by the responses on this subject that most people want to see decent young women doing decent dance routines in step. Something all the family can enjoy without listening to lewd comments by teenage boys standing behind us. Maybe the ND could run this as one of their polls.
Posted by presby (anonymous) on December 8, 2008 at 6:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
They don,t care about the lewd comments,they dare anybody to say anything. I don,t like the Natchez parade. We took our classic cars and rode in the Vidalia parade,over here you have to be approved and okayed by every body and their brother....it,s a bunch of yadee,yadee, and they throw candy and hit your cars in Natchez,plus stand on the sidewalk pulling on their pants between their legs and spittin filth out of their mouths,who wants to be around all that ???
Posted by presby (anonymous) on December 8, 2008 at 6:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
They don,t care about the dancing,they throw their rears high as they can get them and do the gigolo or whatever else is close to the barber pole in strip joints...they don,t care if kids are there. They only want to boogie and hunch.
Posted by presby (anonymous) on December 8, 2008 at 6:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Vulgar is the in thing in Natchez,,,walk the dog,do their thing ...who cares...It offends lots of folks,but Natchez lets it fly...
Posted by presby (anonymous) on December 8, 2008 at 6:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I guess when it was Colonel Reb that was racist,this vulgar,filth is much better.
Posted by presby (anonymous) on December 8, 2008 at 6:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
They should have taken MTV off the air years ago.
Posted by RICKYSMITH (anonymous) on December 8, 2008 at 6:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I HAVE TO AGREE WITH NHS08; ALL OF YOU PEOPLE WILL COMPLAIN AND GRIPE AT THE SECOND COMING. GET OVER IT. I NEVER HEARD ALL OF YOU BIBLE THUMPERS COMPLAINING ABOUT ALCORN, LET'S TALK VULGAR! WHAT DID YOU THINK OF TRINITY'S, ACCS'S, HOLY FAMILY'S, CATHEDRAL'S , HUNTINGTON'S AND VIDALIA'S DANCERS? DON'T REMEMBER THEM? THAT'S BECAUSE THEY DON'T HAVE DANCE TEAMS. AT LEAST THESE GIRLS ARE TRYING TO PERFORM WHAT THEIR INSTRUCTOR TEACHES. THIS IS NOT THE 60'S AND YES, THINGS HAVE CHANGED.
AND AS FOR YOU "CAMPBELL", JUST SHUT UP. DO YOU KNOW NHS08? QUIT YOUR TALKING (BEHIND AN ANONYMOUS MONIKER) AND GO TO THE BAND HALL LIKE THEY ASKED YOU TO DO. MAYBE YOU'RE THE ONE WHO ISN'T MATURE ENOUGH TO HANDLE THE TRUTH.
AND HOW ABOUT YOU "ROSHI", APPARENTLY YOU'VE BEEN IN ENOUGH STRIP CLUBS TO KNOW WHAT YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT.
AND FOR YOU "FREEDOM", THE OTHER 2? ARE YOU AWARE THAT ONE OF THOSE BANDS TRAVELED FROM SHREVEPORT?
SO I GUESS NEXT YEAR, MAYBE WE WON'T INVITE ANY BANDS. IS THAT WHAT YOU PEOPLE WANT? TRUST ME, IT'S NOT HARD TO DO. THE DAMN BANDS DON'T WANT TO WASTE THEIR SATURDAY NIGHT DOING IT ANYWAY.
BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR.
NOW: MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL.
Posted by sophie (anonymous) on December 8, 2008 at 6:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
i don't understand why some of you people have to CONSTANTLY degrade the students at NHS. Even if it is good news, someone is bound to find something bad to say. No wonder the district can never get any better. Their own community wont even encourage them. Oh, and for who ever said that the band couldn't learn a SIMPLE Christmas song in a week??? I think it's a good thing the directors didn't make their students perform a piece that they weren't comfortable performing. The band works really hard, and should be congratulated NOT degraded.
Posted by natchezrepublican (anonymous) on December 8, 2008 at 6:48 p.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by freedom42 (anonymous) on December 8, 2008 at 8:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Yes ricky, I can read. Green Oak High School, Shreveport, La. They were still vulgar and disgusting.
Posted by kpage1 (anonymous) on December 8, 2008 at 10:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
sophie...the STUDENTS at NHS aren't being degraded on this forum. The dance team's choice of expression is what's being debated. You will notice a vast majority of posters on this topic feel the team should have considered a more respectful dance style, considering the Christmas season is about Jesus' birthday. Of course we need Santa, but he wasn't gatorin' on his float, either.
Posted by Bobaloo (anonymous) on December 8, 2008 at 10:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
but it woulda been cool if Santa popped the gator......
Posted by lovely (anonymous) on December 8, 2008 at 11:04 p.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by kpage1 (anonymous) on December 8, 2008 at 11:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I stick with the majority here...it's vulgar. It's simply vulnerable teenage girls simulating sex acts, exactly what we DON'T want our teenagers doing.
Posted by accitizen426 (anonymous) on December 9, 2008 at 12:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
My kids attend NHS as I attended South Natchez when we had the infamous Colonels Ladies in the 70's. Times have certainly changed and my kids will tell you that I am one to accept the changing times but will draw the line when it gets out of hand. I will say that I almost had a heart attack when the NHS dance team came past me. I could not believe they had prepared this routine for the Christmas parade as it was completely inappropriate for this type of gathering. It did not make sense as to why the director of this team would think it was acceptable. Everyone, including my kids were embarassed from the reaction of the people standing around us as this is the dance team from their school. But you all need to be aware that this kind of behavior is not only happening at NHS. This kind of dancing is the "in thing" for all of our pre teens and teens. This is not just on MTV or BET. The kids of this generation love this kind of stuff and it doesnt have anything to do with their race or what school they go to. I do agree with most of this post that this was totally inappropriate for the parade but would like to go one step further to say that it should not be allowed at all. As the mother who has been told she can be "really cool" sometimes, I would never allow my daughter to dance in this manner anywhere let alone at her school or at the city's Christmas parade. I am still in shock and wondering where the adults all go when this is happening.
Posted by PatternsInMotion (anonymous) on December 9, 2008 at 2:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
When I began reading this article, I did not anticipate a heated debate on vulgarity or lewdness. A hand full of positive things about the parade were mentioned in this forum, only to be drowned in comments that appear to bash and humiliate children. I believe in two things when it comes to band, dance, and musicianship; 1) Variety is the spice of life & 2) Versatility is the key to success. The two bands/auxiliaries that are being discussed lack one of these two things. All bands/auxiliaries are products of their demographic/environment, their superiors (directors, coordinators/sponsors, school administrations) and their prior experiences, and the city or town that supports them.
I personally believe that bands/auxiliaries should be able to adapt to any and all performance environments. That versatility allows an ensemble to be pleasing and appealing to all audiences. It is evident that this has not been achieved by either of the high school bands present. We do not know what these bands encountered in preparation for this performance. I know that NHS didn't have access to the seasonal music that they usually have at this time, therefore they had to make a hasty decision in their song selection. This and other various problems can lead to these types of outcomes.
In this forum, things became heated and the racist claims reared their ugly little heads. This discussion has nothing to do with race. It is purely about preferences. One group prefers the conservative corps style bands and the other likes the flashy show/traditional style bands. We also have to remember that opinions are based off of prior related events. I believe that when Co-Lin Wesson's band came down the parade route first, that set the pace for what in your mind should have been next. People saw something different and it reminded them of a band from that past that they haven't seen in a long time. When it comes to band/auxiliary styles, we must consider the backgrounds and prior experiences of the directors and coordinators. We must also keep in mind that we are comparing a collegiate band with a high school band.
Posted by PatternsInMotion (anonymous) on December 9, 2008 at 2:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
In my experiences with band, I had a tendency to gravitate to what my environment encouraged. Many of the students in each of these bands are fans of many HBCU bands. Their parents may have graduated or attended these institutions and project that spirit upon their children. Their teachers and administrators also may have attended these universities and try to imply what they have experienced upon the students at these high schools. The students then try to emulate the universities that they see. This is the same thing for auxiliary groups. They try to emulate what they see as acceptable to the audience. Natchez is located between four HBCUs (Southern University, Grambling State, Alcorn State, and Jackson State). For at least twelve weeks out of the year, a majority of NHS band members get to see what may be the biggest instrumental music influence in their area. There is no variety in what they see. The only primary musical events that occur are The Opera Festival, The Blues Festival, and the occasional appearance of the Professional (military) bands. If we show band students more variety their minds will be open to more styles and genres of music.
I understand that everyone has their opinion and preferences. I also understand that everyone can't be satisfied. As it was mentioned previously, children are reading this, especially the members of the performing groups and maybe even their parents. We must remember that bands don't perform in the ways that they used to. There aren't any more performances in the park or seasonal concerts by local bands anymore (that I know of). Natchez ought to work harder to promote more arts related functions. School districts should be eager to send students to see a variety of functions, concerts, and programs. Our state's many cities and universities offer many seasonal presentations that are open to the public. All we have to do is take advantage of what is around us.
If students are reading this forum, you must remember that you are doing what you do because you love it. Don't let the opinions of others interfere with what you enjoy. Everything that you've learned, studied, and applied is all because you love your selected form of art and expression. I encourage you to listen and observe more genres and styles of your craft. Expand your abilities and maximize all options. Don't be afraid to approach new forms because they open doors to greater horizons. Keep in mind that your happiness and satisfaction are the vessels that will carry you to the biggest achievements.
Posted by presby (anonymous) on December 9, 2008 at 7:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Yes don,t let these opinions sway you,pop out your boob out next time like Janet Jackson,she sets a great example.
Posted by drawpaintsing (anonymous) on December 9, 2008 at 8:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I just noticed something else. To me, The Natchez Democrat, knew what they were doing. Although, I still agree that this wasn't appropriate for Christmas, and I can't judge these girls. But the title of the article is "Natchez Parade Light up Night." Why didn't they show a picture that reflects the title? They know just what kind of feedback this would get, and for my 2 years of posting on here, this happens often to the public schools. Why didn't they show the picture of the children throwing candy out the car? At least it would have symbolized somewhat with the title.
Posted by sophie (anonymous) on December 9, 2008 at 8:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree with drawpaintsing.
Maybe a picture of kids waving from a float would have been better. I feel sorry for these CHILDREN. They have unwillingly fallen vicitm to critics. I hope that you all realize that you are speaking of CHILDREN!
Posted by nowgofigure (anonymous) on December 9, 2008 at 10:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Presby,
Please ask Santa to fill your stocking with a grammar and punctuation book. Your postings are always so humorous to me. The time that is being spent by you to ridicule everyone about everything they do is not being used wisely. Please study and your postings will be grammatically correct in 2009. While studying, you will learn the correct usage of an apostrophe as opposed to the comma.
Posted by nowgofigure (anonymous) on December 9, 2008 at 10:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
NHS 08,
The people in Natchez will never progress. It is the Mississippi mentality that is keeping them in a rut. Perhaps next year the Pilgrimage Garden Club can have the dances choreographed for the NHS dancing ladies.
Posted by nowgofigure (anonymous) on December 9, 2008 at 10:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Mr. Darrell White,
As with everything you do, I think you did a fabulous job with the organization of this year's Christmas parade. Please do not allow the negativity to deter you from organizing other activities in the area. Keep up the good work. You are an asset to the city of Natchez. Kudoz!!!
Posted by SDurkin (anonymous) on December 9, 2008 at 4:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Writers all... I am one of the 5 people who organize the Christmas parade, and I have heard, and now read, a lot of negative commentary regarding the dancing and music (and I actually saw some of it), and quite frankly, I think much of it was innappropriate for a Christmas parade. It bothers me deeply that so many people were obviouisly offended, that the issue does indeed bear addressing. I especially don't like hearing that people won't come to the parade in the future if it persists, and all I ask of the instructors and the kids participating is to please tone it down some, and make it more appropriate for the event and the season. I am not at all against artistic expression, in fact, I applaud it. It's just that this parade is designed to entertain children; mostly those under the age of 8, and I just feel that the dancing should be geared toward a PG rating, not that of NC-17 or worse. We work really hard to make the parade worth turning out for in windy, 40 degree weather, so please, be respectful of the target audience and please express yourselves accordingly in conjunction with the season. Save the other for the football field if you would. Anyone wishing to assist with the planning of next years parade, feel free to contact Carrie at Downtown Development. It is an overwhelming and very time consuming task when you don't have many people helping out. We have to raise money to put the parade on too so you can donate dollars if you can't donate time. Thank you, Sally
Posted by freedom42 (anonymous) on December 9, 2008 at 7:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
THANK YOU, Sally and the other organizers. I am delighted that you are taking our words to heart. It is a crazy world we live in, but Christmas should always be only happy memories as much as possible.
Posted by natchezrepublican (anonymous) on December 9, 2008 at 8:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Lovely...if you would have read what I wrote you would see that I was actually commending the girls on their hard work and practice, I know that they work hard and that it does take tallent to dance. The dance that they perfomed was more suited for something other than a Christmas parade...I was not attacking the kids I was pointing that more at the dance instructor, he/she as an adult should have known that kind of stuff has no place in a Chrismas parade. As far as my parenting, you don't have a leg to stand on...you are saying hey everyone I love it when young impressionable teen age girls gyrate their hips and make themselves look cheap. Why the attack on me? Grow up and hold yourself accountable...I personally think that you are embarrassed that all of these people agree with me and that your child is one of the ones doing those things...and for that I am truly sorry. You need to direct your anger at the band director that put your children in this position. Oh and I almost forgot...you have a blessed day!
Posted by LOVESNATCHEZ (anonymous) on December 10, 2008 at 9:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"NATCHEZ REPUBLICAN"... WHY DIRECT ANGER AT THE BAND DIRECTOR? THEY DON'T CONTROL THE DANCE TEAM. YOU NEED TO GET YOUR FACTS CORRECT BEFORE YOU SEND PEOPLE TO THE WRONG PERSON TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. THE BAND DIRECTORS TEACH MUSIC, NOT DANCING. THEY BUST THEIR ASSES TILL 6 AND 7 IN THE EVENING WITH THE BAND. FIND OUT WHO THE DANCE INSTRUCTOR IS AND CONTACT HER. LEAVE THE BAND DIRECTORS OUT OF THIS!!!
Posted by LOVESNATCHEZ (anonymous) on December 10, 2008 at 10:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
AND "SALLY", IF THIS BOTHERS SO MANY PEOPLE, I HOPE I NEVER , EVER SEE ALCORN IN THIS PARADE AGAIN. THEY ARE THE MOST VULGAR OF ALL. ALL OF YOU BETTER BE VERY CAREFUL AND TREAD VERY LIGHTLY IF YOU EVER WANT A DRILL TEAM IN THE PARADE AGAIN. YES, I THINK IT'S VULGAR. BUT DO ANY OF YOU HAVE A CLUE WHAT PUBLIC SCHOOLS ARE UP AGAINST? IF THE DANCERS AREN'T ALLOWED TO DO THEIR THING, THE PARENTS COMPLAIN AND THE INSTRUCTOR'S CONTRACT IS NOT RENEWED. THE SAME GOES FOR THE BAND. IF THE KIDS AREN'T ALLOWED TO PLAY "THEIR" MUSIC, PARENTS GO TO THE BOARD AND THE BOARD COWERS DOWN AND DOES NOT RENEW CONTRACTS.
Posted by SDurkin (anonymous) on December 10, 2008 at 11:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
On the contrary...I don't think we should exclude bands from the parade...they are an integral part of the event. I just feel that the dancing should be less risque. I thought the outfits the Natchez High girls were wearing were really great; and very representative of Christmas. I watch the Macy's parade every Thanksgiving day and I don't see any lewd or vulgar dancing in it, nor do I witness such in the Tournament of Roses Parade in LA. It would be nice to build this parade up to such a level that people would want to drive over from McComb, Brookhaven, Jonesville, Clayton, Sicily Island and other places to see it. I'm proud of what Carrie Lambert and the City have done to spruce it up, and proud to be a part of it; and there is absolutely no reason it can't be a draw for visitors from all over. I don't like being associated with anything that wouldn't qualify for a Good Housekeeping seal of approval. It's not going to hurt anyone the least little bit just to make the necessary adjustments to suit the audience. That's all I'm asking.
Posted by Campbell (anonymous) on December 10, 2008 at 12:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Well said, Sally.
Posted by SDurkin (anonymous) on December 10, 2008 at 12:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thank you Campbell
Posted by prideofNHS2012 (anonymous) on December 10, 2008 at 8:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Personally, I am offended by some of the comments that some people have made toward the Natchez High Band and Drill Team. As a student in the band, I believe that we did a wonderful job during the Christmas parade.
Whoever said that we can't learn or play a simple Christmas song, you are wrong. At the time we were unprepared.
As for the drill team, I have family and friends who are a part of the drill team. I know for a fact, that these girls are not going to be pole dancers. Campbell, you obviously know alot about pole dancing to try to compare the girls to them. Maybe you have a little experience pole dancing.
To everyone who has anything that they need to say about the band or the drill team, as my band director(NHS08) has already said, why don't you stop and give us a little visit. We are very eager to meet you and hear what you have to say in person.
Roshi
I bet you were at the parade dancing, cheering, or doing something when you saw us come by. I do believe that everything that we did, said, and played (or danced) was very appropriate for the parade. If you don't think so that's your business. And, if the dances made you feel that way, I would love to see you come out there and do better.
Freedom42
If you enjoyed Co-Lin band so much, why didn't you leave right afterward? Personally I thought that their band was like little blue soilders who only moved as told. They were bor-ing! But you really made yourself sound dumb. What does the way we dance or the songs we play have to do with teen pregnancy! Maybe you were a pregnant teen and you feel that the reason you got pregnent was because of how you danced or whatever. I say that you GET A LIFE!!!
Dixiemama
How dare you try to compare us to a 1956 band! I doubt if band back then could ever to the things that we do. You must be in your late 70s to do that. And we have no respect? You're the one who is talking about us children! Do you have respect for yourself is what you should be asking. And you probably had a bad childhood to talk about someone's parent(s). Just you grew up without a mom or dad that couldn't give you what you need to be in the band or on a drill team, don't try to downgrade us.
Vilou09
My question is; why are you even posting to this? You don't even stay over here. Basicially, I feel that I'm waisting my time saying anything to you.
Buttercup26
You got what you wanted. Someone in the band read it. Now I'm going to tell you what I have to say about it. Who cares what you wore or what matched nine years ago. What matters is the present. And are you still on the "flag corp", no. And our band director and drill team coach did their job. Just because you dress yourself from head to toe, doesn't mean that the whole world has to, too. So the best thing for you to do is keep your mouth closed.
This isn't the end. I'll let you all soak this in, but I'm far from finished.
Posted by roshi (anonymous) on December 11, 2008 at 4:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
prideofNHS2012-- Hey, you got me...I was dancing and cheering when you guys came by. The band was great. whatever they were playing whether Christmasy or not sounded really good. And personally, I like the way the guys and the girls in the band were swing stepping and what we used to call "groovin" to the music, The drill team girls were dancing great. I never said it wasn't done well..just asked if anyone besides me thought it a bit inappropriate for a "Christmas Parade"?
I love watching Grambling and Southern duke it out at the Rice Bowl...that's great entertainment. But I'll bet you the crowd watching that game paid good money to get in and knew what to expect. The Christmas parade crowd in Natchez is made up of parents and llittle kids wanting to catch some candy and see Santa.
I didn't mean to belittle anyone or put anyone down, or hurt anyone's feelings. I try to live by Jesus' two commandments(see Mathew 22:37-40). So I'm truly sorry, I mean it from the bottom of my heart. I'll still offer this advice in the true spirit of advice...remember to target your audience. And keep on working because you all have the right idea.
Thank you all at NHS and Carrie, and Sally, and all the other participants for working so hard to help put on the parade. We need it. We need the inclusion. We need our community out together having fun and we need to have this kind of dialogue. It's a discussion, a dialogue, and exchange of ideas and thoughts. What other means do we have to really get to know each other without such forums. I'd love it if we had some way to really get everyone together in person.... And, sure there are always a couple of knuckleheads that don't get it, but remember when they make you mad or get you all riled up, they win, because that's what they wanted all along.
....and NHS08-- I love your idea to encourage more community participation by inviting the public to your classroom. We all need to get more involved. It's kind of hard for me to get loose from work between 2:45 and 3:30, but watch out, I may shake loose one day and come introduce myself..............peace--and I mean it!! Roshi
Ps-...no, I have no idea what a lap dance really is ..I've never been inside a strip club in my life.....and btw, anyone intrested in some great waterfront property in Florida?? ;-))
Posted by LOVESNATCHEZ (anonymous) on December 12, 2008 at 11:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Thank you "Roshi".. that was very nice of you and very well put. You are so right; we can voice our opinions and try to make things better in the future. We should all be very aware of what we say about someone. Everyone is someone's child, brother, sister, etc. Let's all work together and make Natchez proud. Merry Christmas to all.
Posted by prideofNHS2012 (anonymous) on December 14, 2008 at 3:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Roshi
I really appriciate your reply to my comment, and I fully accept your apology. Hopefully you can come to the band hall one day and I can introduce myself to you.
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