51³Ô¹ÏÍø

The University of North Georgia's (51³Ô¹ÏÍø) Golden Eagle Band has marched in several parades, but this spring the marching band made up of both cadets and civilians will hit a new high note.

The Golden Eagle Band will perform March 17 in the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Savannah, Georgia. The annual parade is known as the largest St. Patrick's Day Parade in the South and one of the top five in the United States, said Will Fleming, volunteer band coordinator for the parade.

Dr. Bart Walters, adjunct professor of music and Golden Eagle Band director, said Fleming contacted him after the band marched in the Atlanta Veterans Day Parade in November.

"I was surprised and shocked," Walters said, noting his students reacted in a similar fashion. "I told them we were in the parade and they were surprised."

But another surprise was in store. 51³Ô¹ÏÍø's marching band will lead the parade.

"Jaws hit the floor and their eyes got large," Walters said. "We are a featured element in the parade. It's a big deal."

Fleming said the parade regularly features military and Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) bands. After he learned 51³Ô¹ÏÍø had a marching band and is known as The Military College of Georgia, Fleming said it seemed appropriate for the Golden Eagle Band to start the parade.

"We have a strong military presence in Savannah, and the spectators like to see the bands," he said.

The St. Patrick’s Day parade will be livestreamed at 10 a.m. March 17 on . To watch, log onto WSAV.com and click the homepage banner to link to the livestream.