Eight of 'Musical Pride' are also pride of Atlantic, Iowa

bmb Atlantic large

Pictured from left are members of the Northwest Missouri State University Bearcat
Marching Band from Atlantic, Iowa: Samantha Baier, clarinet; Burke Shouse, trumpet;
Michael Mikkelson, clarinet; Caleb Gibson, euphonium/baritone; Reed Gibson, tenor
saxophone; Joshua Gibson, tuba; Mallory Scarf, horn. Not pictured is Shelby Ferguson,
flute.

When the Bearcat Marching Band performs Jan. 1 in the heart of London during the world's largest New Year's Day parade, the residents of Atlantic, Iowa, will get a chance to proudly celebrate their own.

Eight members of the "Musical Pride" of Northwest hail from Atlantic, and all of them are making plans to take part in the band's first-ever international appearance.

The Atlantic group includes Samantha Baier, clarinet; Shelby Ferguson, flute; Caleb Gibson, euphonium/baritone; Josh Gibson, tuba; Reed Gibson, tenor saxophone; Michael Mikkelson, clarinet; Mallory Scarf, horn; and Burke Shouse, trumpet.

And yes, Caleb, Josh and Reed are brothers -- the sons of Mike and Nancy Gibson of Atlantic.

Along with members of the Northwest Wind Symphony and Jazz Ensemble, the BMB, at more than 100 strong, will fly to England in late December to take part in the gigantic Jan. 1 procession. The band will join 10,000 parade participants in marching down such storied thoroughfares as Whitehall, Downing Street, Pall Mall, Berkeley Square and Piccadilly Circus.

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.

The Northwest contingent, which will include a number of band alumni and other friends of the University, will stay in a large hotel located near the British Museum and other attractions in the center of one of the world's most historic cities.

Cost for the trip per band member is about $2,200, which includes transportation, meals and lodging. Fundraising efforts are still underway to raise money for students who need financial assistance in order to make the trip.

The group, accompanied by Director of Bands Carl Kling and Dr. William Richardson, who runs the University's jazz program, will fly to England on Dec. 28 and return Jan. 4.

In addition to marching in the parade, Northwest students making up the Wind Symphony and Jazz Ensemble will perform at a gala concert before an expected audience of about 2,000 people.

Anyone interested in helping support the Bearcat Marching Band's London trip can call Kling at 660.562.1794 or e-mail ckling@nwmissouri.edu. Information 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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