Spirit of Northwestern Marching Band sets off to London

By: Sarah Cramer

Posted: 2/3/10

The Best Soundin' Band in the Land will be finishing off 2010 and ringing in 2011 in London, England.

The Spirit of Northwestern Marching Band has been chosen to perform in London's 25th New Year's Day Parade.

"We have an official letter from the mayor of the city of London inviting us," Director of Bands Bill Brent said.

At the parade, the band will be playing the fight song and a traditional march, like the "National Emblem."

"If the Saints win on Sunday, it will be an arrangement of 'When the Saints Go Marching In,'" Brent said.

During their six night trip, the band will be touring London, visiting Oxford and Stratford upon Avon, and attending a New Year's Eve Gala, among other things.

This is not the first time the marching band has been nominated to play in the parade, Brent said.

"We were nominated about four years ago," he said. "But at the time there was just so much going on."

But the upcoming school year will also mark the band's 100th anniversary, and Brent felt this would be a good year for the students to take the trip.

"They called again this past fall and said we'd really like for you to come, and so I thought, well since next year is the 100th year of the band, we'll fly it up the flag pole to see who salutes," he said. "And we had enough kids say yea, they'd like to do it."

A little more than 50 of the 300 band members will be attending the parade. Victoria Steadman, freshman addiction studies major, will be going to London during her first year on the SON's cymbal line.

"I've never been out of the
country," Steadman said. "And London is always a place I've wanted to go."

Both Brent and Steadman believe this
is going to be a great experience.

"It just so happens I was at this parade about 10 years ago," Brent said. "I've actually seen this parade and it's great. I really think the kids are in for a great trip."

Steadman added, "[It's exciting] just to be in band and play in front of all those people."

The cost of the trip is $2,900 per student, and they will be leaving on Dec. 28, 2010 and will be returning Jan. 4, 2011.

The cost will cover lodging, transportation, three dinners, a fast-food voucher equivalent to $17, several tours and a one-year membership in the Youth Music
International Performers' Club.

"It's a great deal," Brent said.

Alumni and friends are also welcome on the trip.