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The Impact of Inclusion

Written on by Sage Brown
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My son attended his first Mummers event in October of 2023. At the time, we went just because of his general interest in the mummers. Uptown String Band was having their annual ParklandFest, so we thought it was a perfect time for him to listen to their music live. While at the event, he enjoyed listening to their music—this was big for my son because previously he had no interest in music, and loud noises bothered him as a young child. After this event, my son started watching a YouTuber called The Philly Captain, who often has mummer content. As his interest and love of the Mummers grew, he asked to attend the Mummers’ New Year’s Day parade. While there, we were able to watch many bands practice and perform. He was super excited to see Uptown, many times pointing out the Captain. He shouted with much joy and excitement every time he saw him in the routine.

In spring 2024, I noticed that Uptown was having an Open House event at their clubhouse. I thought it was a good idea to attend to see what he might be able to do with the band. At the beginning of the day, I had no idea what he could do or what great things were in store for him; I was just taking him so he could listen to the music he loves and see what his options might be. While there, one of the mummers came up to us and introduced themselves. I explained that my son doesn’t play an instrument but loves the mummers. We asked him if there was anything he could do with the band—that’s when someone called over The Captain. He introduced himself and gave my son a high five and a fist bump. He made him feel welcomed and special. And that is where our journey with the Uptown String Band officially started.

I explained in detail about my son, and he told us that they are always looking for marshals. Parade marshals provide support for the bands at practices and events. They arrive before the performers and help load coolers with ice and beverages and put them in the buses, as it’s important for them to stay cool and hydrated with the demands of marching, playing their instruments, and dancing. Marshals also help the players place their instruments and costumes on the bus. Because instruments and costumes can be cumbersome, helping hands are essential as performers are preparing for events. Once instruments are taken out of cases, the cases need to be loaded back on the bus. During parades, the Head Marshal gives instructions to hand out water to all the players. Another duty of marshals is to hold the banner at the front of the band–my son absolutely loves participating in parades! He’s also provided other miscellaneous support like tearing tickets to be distributed at the New Year’s Day parade and painting props.

We participated in our first parade in May 2024. When the Head Marshal saw us watching from the sidelines, he waved to us to join them. The smile on my son’s face was just priceless. He loved every minute of it. Since then, my son has had the opportunity to hold props in performances, which also makes him an active participant in “prop practices.” If you ask him, he will pick an Uptown event over other activities. All the members have always made him feel special and let him know that his participation is super important. He has opened up socially and made so many new friends. Every week, he looks forward to seeing the other members and getting his high fives and fist bumps; they truly are like his second family. They care for him and want to see him having a good time doing what he loves. One performer recently commented how happy it makes her to see his huge smile at practices and events.

Every Tuesday, we head to Uptown Hall to listen to rehearsals. And every Tuesday, I hear my son say: “Today’s my favorite day because I get to go to Uptown.” Being a marshal has just been wonderful for him.

The Philly Captain https://www.youtube.com/@ThePhillyCaptain

Uptown String Band https://www.uptownstringband.com/

ParklandFest https://www.middletownbucks.org/Community/News-Events/Calendar/2024/October/ParklandFest-Day

Information about Inclusion https://www.aaidd.org/news-policy/policy/position-statements/inclusion

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