The Pride of Vicksburg High School Marching Band did not make it to the homecoming parade Thursday due to a miscommunication, Vicksburg Warren School District Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Swinford said.

“I’m not completely sure what happened, but apparently, the buses for the band were ordered for 4:30 (p.m.) because the parade was thought to be at 5, not 4,” Swinford said in an email. “We are certainly disappointed that the band didn’t march, but it was an honest miscommunication.”

While the homecoming court, Jr. ROTC, Gator Girls and student council floats for VHS paraded down Washington Street, the Pride were still at the school.

The Big Blue Band of Warren Central started at 4 p.m. and Alcorn State’s Marching Band, the Sound of Dyn-O-Mite, followed. The Pride Marching Band was scheduled to begin their parade at 5 p.m.

However, buses arrived at VHS at 4:30 with the expectation VHS would be marching about 6 p.m.

Melissa Bufkin, president of the VHS Pride band boosters, said that she knew the students were disappointed, but also realized that mistakes can be made.

“Well it’s always upsetting when your kids aren’t in a parade and they’re supposed to be, but I do understand things like that happen,” she said. “Anytime you’re moving 130 something kids, it’s not just an easy process.”

Bufkin went on to say that she was proud of the band for its accomplishments.

While Swinford was disappointed with the miscommunication, she also said she was proud of both bands, which were recognized with all-superior ratings at the 2012 Region IV State Marching Evaluation at Pearl High School Oct. 13.

Those who missed the homecoming performances Friday still have a chance to catch both bands perform next Friday when the Gators host Warren Central.