Send the Sound to Italy: CPP Band Abroad

This FLX Gives, we invite you to help the Corning-Painted Post (CPP) Band take the trip of a lifetime: marching in the world-renowned Rome New Year’s Parade on January 1, 2026.

CPP Band have been selected to represent our community and country in one of the most celebrated international parades in the world. The Rome New Year’s Parade is not just a performance—it’s a cultural and spiritual celebration. Each year, over 100,000 people gather in St. Peter’s Square to receive the Pope’s New Year’s blessing. Bands from around the globe march along the Via della Conciliazione, culminating in a stationary performance before the Pope and a global audience.

This is a rare and prestigious honor. As one past participant shared:

“Being a marching band in Italy is like being a celebrity. So many people came up to us to ask for pictures. Our tour guides cried when we played our music. The crowd kept pushing at us to get closer and closer. I’ve never played for a more energetic and appreciative audience. All in all, definitely the coolest thing I’ve ever done.” —Student, James Madison University Marching Royal Dukes

This opportunity only comes once during a student’s high school career. Our dedicated band directors have worked tirelessly to seek out meaningful international experiences that expand our students’ horizons—past trips have included Ireland, London, and Toronto. Now, Rome awaits. For many students, this will be their first time abroad, and their only chance to march in such a globally significant event.

We are incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication of our students, the tireless support of our Band Boosters and parents, and the generosity of our community. Thanks to previous fundraising efforts, we’ve made great strides—but we’re not done yet.

This FLX Gives, we’re asking our community to help us send our students off in the best form possible.

Your gift will help us:

• Help guarantee that every student who signed up can go—so cost doesn’t prevent anyone from experiencing this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

• Cover trip shirts and incidentals that build unity, pride, and visibility. 

• Upgrade equipment - there is a need for new harnesses - so our students can perform at their best as global ambassadors.

This isn’t just about getting to Rome—it’s about showing up prepared, proud, and united. It’s about giving our students the tools and support they need to shine on a world stage.

 What makes this trip so special?

• Marching in Rome’s New Year’s Parade is a once-in-a-lifetime honor.

• Students will perform in front of tens of thousands, including the Pope.

• The event celebrates peace, cultural diversity, and international goodwill.

• Past participants call it “the BEST trip this program has ever taken” and “the coolest thing I’ve ever done.”

Top Reasons to Give:

• CPP Bands are award-winning and community-loved.

• This trip is a life-changing opportunity for students.

• FLX Gives is the perfect moment to show your support.

• Your gift honors the vision of our band directors and the hard work of our students.

Whether you give $10 or $100, your contribution helps us reach our $15,000 goal and unlock matching prizes and power hour bonuses. Together, we can make sure every student who dreams of marching in Rome gets the chance to do so—with the support, gear, and pride they deserve.

Let’s send the sound. Let’s send the students. Let’s send the spirit of CPP Bands to Italy.

Donate during FLX Gives: Nov 13–14 #SendTheSound #FLXGives #CPPBandToItaly #MarchToItaly