During their spare time in the Windy City, the Marching Saints (gathered on the school field in this photo for a big group shot) will visit some of Chi-town's main attractions. (Courtesy photo)
During their spare time in the Windy City the Marching Saints will visit some of Chi-town's main attractions. (Courtesy photo)

WorldStrides Performing Arts has invited the marching band from Santa Maria High School to perform at the Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade where they will join marching bands from across the country in the Windy City.

An invitation to perform at the Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade is an honor reserved only for the most talented student performers from across the nation, according to Samantha Bunten, Santa Maria High Saints Band director.

Under the direction of Bunten, the Marching Saints will spend some time working with clinicians. In their free time, the students will take in sights including the Navy Pier, Willis Tower Skydeck, and the Art Institute.

Bunten, who has been teaching for about 10 years, will be leading the 90 students on the trip. In 2018, she took the Marching Saints to Washington, D.C., with 30 students.

To learn how to help the Marching Saints’ fundraising efforts, contact Saints Band Boosters at saintsbandbooster@gmail.com or visit https://sites.google.com/view/smhssaintsband.