Alums to join band on New Year's trip to London

kling in london

Northwest Director of Bands Carl Kling,
right, journeyed to London this summer
where he received a proclamation from
Councillor Robert Davis, deputy lieutenant
of Greater London, inviting the Bearcat
Marching Band to perform in London's
New Year's Day parade.

The Bearcat Marching Band, along with the Northwest Wind Symphony and Jazz Ensemble, will fly to England in late December to participate in London's gigantic New Year's Day parade -- and Director of Bands Carl Kling says BMB alumni and other friends of the University are welcome to come along.

Kling said plenty of guest spots are still available for the trip, during which "The Musical Pride" of Northwest will make its first international appearance ever.

Cost per person is $2,200 and includes transportation, meals and lodging in a major hotel located near the British Museum and other attractions in the heart of historic London.

The parade, said to be the largest event of its kind in the world, takes place on Jan. 1, 2008. The chimes of Big Ben atop Westminster Palace will signal the start of the procession, which comprises 10,000 participants marching down such famous thoroughfares as Whitehall, Downing Street, Pall Mall, Berkeley Square and Piccadilly Circus.

More than a million spectators are expected to line the parade route and millions more will watch the extravaganza as it is broadcast by approximately 500 television stations and networks worldwide.

Kling said participation in the event is by invitation only, and that Northwest's selection speaks to the consistent quality of the University's instrumental music program.

The Northwest contingent will travel to England on Dec. 28 and return Jan. 4. Accompanying Kling will be Dr. William Richardson, who runs the University's jazz program.

Kling expects about 120 Northwest students to make the trip, which will also include performances by the Northwest Wind Symphony and Jazz Ensemble at a gala concert before an audience of 2,000 people in Saint John's, Smith Square.

Fundraising efforts to help participants defray the cost have been underway for some time. To learn how you can help, call Kling at 660.562.1794, or e-mail ckling@nwmissouri.edu. Information about the trip is also available through the Department of Music at 660.562.1315 (ext. 1315 on campus).

For more information, please contact:

Anthony Brown,
News Bureau Manager
E-Mail: abrown@nwmissouri.edu
Phone (660) 562-1704
Fax (660) 562-1900

Northwest Missouri State University
219 Administration Building,
800 University Drive
Maryville, MO 64468

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