London calling: Mosley High band to perform in UK capital's New Year's Day Parade in 2024
LYNN HAVEN — Mosley High School band students received an opportunity they will never forget.
The "Sound of the Southland" was invited to perform in London's New Year's Day Parade in 2024.
On Wednesday morning, the parade's co-founder Bob Bone and senior patron Duncan Sandys traveled from London to Mosley High School to formally deliver their invitation to the excited band students.
After the band members collectively accepted, they put on a performance for their guests and gifted them a key to the city of Lynn Haven on behalf of Mayor Jesse Nelson.
'They lost their minds': Mosley High band receives Kraushaar Award, state's highest honor
School supply drive: How you can donate to Bayway school supply drive to help restock classrooms
In other news: FSU Panama City program that teaches middle, high school kids tech skills gets $135,000
Band members will spend one week in London. Sandys and Bone held a presentation for the students, telling them about performing at one of the largest street parades in the world and about London's historic sites and places of architectural and artistic interest.
Sandys, who is also the former lord mayor of the city of Westminster, said the students will have a life-changing week in London.
"I think music brings people together and combining it with traveling just broadens your horizons. Giving this opportunity for high school students to take part in a massive parade in a global city is just a once-in-a-lifetime experience," Sandys said. "I can't convey how wonderful it is and the positive effect it will have on their lives."
The London New Year's Day Parade sees nearly 10,000 performers each year from more than 20 countries worldwide, entertaining a street audience of half a million and a global TV audience of tens of millions. The marching band's performance will be available to PBS networks across the United States and will be streamed live worldwide on Jan. 1, 2024.
This marks the second time the Mosley High School band received an invitation to the London New Year's Day Parade, with their first performance in 2010.
"We scout the best bands there are in the United States, and we're excited that Mosley High School will be joining us again," Sandys said. "We like to invite these bands in person because it is a real privilege to be a part of this, and it's so uplifting to see their talent; I'm glad we were able to come."
Douglas Dobos, Mosley's band director, said this invitation shows that their hard work never goes unnoticed, and they are elated to be a part of it.
"To be a repeat participant in the parade just demonstrates consistency within our program. I feel that the students understand when we do small things, people notice and this big opportunity is a result of that," Dobos said. "Our band plays with purpose, and we want to continue pushing ourselves to improve as musicians because it will pay off in the future."
Dobos said the invitation would be extended to incoming freshman and transfer students that participate in the band next school year. He explained to send each student costs about $3,500, and the band will start fundraising to help fund the expenses as early as next week.
This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Mosley High band will perform at 2024 London New Year's Day Parade
