By Alexis McCarney ’25, staff writer 

The Pride of The Valley marching band has been invited to perform in the London New Year’s Day Parade.  

The organization was initially invited prior to the pandemic, which prevented the trip for the last two years.   

“We received the invitation in the fall of 2019,” Dr. Christopher Heffer, Pride of The Valley director, said.   

The band has an extensive itinerary planned for the trip, including tours of Oxford University, Windsor Castle, the River Thames, the Tower of London and much more. Many members are attending, as well as alumni and family members.  

“We have around 94 current students, 12 alumni and 27 parents and family members going on the trip,” Heffner said.  “I am looking forward to students having an opportunity to experience London.” 

This year’s marching band show theme is centered around famous British and American music, some of which will be showcased in a grandstand performance. During the parade, the band will play some pep band favorites: LVC’s fight song, Valley Spell-Out, Go Valley, Hair of the Dog and Thrift Shop. Students are very excited about this long-awaited trip.  

“This trip is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I can’t wait to experience it with my friends,” Sydney Frey, a sophomore piccolo player, said.     

The band leaves on Dec. 28, and will return on Jan. 4. The parade will be broadcast on PBS starting at 8 a.m. EST.