In 1991 the Council Rock Marching Band was invited to perform in London's New Year's Day Westminster's Parade. In honor of that trip several students from the Original Council Rock (CR North) painted the school's iconic Rock with the UK, Union Jack. It was a signal to the community that the band members were excited for their upcoming trip that included a performance at the Royal Albert Hall.
However tragedy struck the band when a member passed away, Megan Hughes. Megan was a part of the color guard and carried the Pennsylvania state flag. You can see her standing in between the US and UK flag. The lighter blue flag is the UN flag. Megan passed away from an aneurysm in the brain. She was a lovely member of the band and was willing to talk to anyone in the band regardless of their social status.
The high school marching band director at the time was Paul Lineberry, originally from Tennessee. Lineberry provided keen, solid, heartfelt leadership in this time of crisis. And it can be said that 100% of the marching band loved this music teacher. Lineberry was a positive influence on everyone he met.
Megan passed away in her sleep at Kensington Palace Hotel De Vere Gardens, London W8 5AF on December 31st 1991. A welcome banner was created for the students returning from their London trip that took place from December 28, 1991 until January 4, 1992. It was a bittersweet trip, that was a journey no one would forget. As a reminder, these events unfolded in the afterglow and fall of the Soviet Union on Christmas Day 1991. Coincidentally the bands final number was Russian Christmas by Alfred Reed.
Synchronicity of a trip 25 years later from 1992 unto 2017; Buddy Holly watches over Megan and Whitney.
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