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ASU Band to March in London News Year’s Day Parade

April 11, 2018

The Angelo State University Ram Band has accepted an official invitation to participate and perform in the 2019 New Year’s Day Parade and Festival in London, England.

Dr. Jonathan Alvis and Steve Summers, past Lord Mayor of Westminster, hold the Ram Band's official invitation to the 2019 London New Year... Dr. Jonathan Alvis and Steve Summers, past Lord Mayor of Westminster, hold the Ram Band's official invitation to the 2019 London New Year's Day Parade. Also pictured (L to R): Dr. Carolyn Gascoigne, Christ Stewart and Dr. Don Topliff Steve Summers, the Past Lord Mayor of Westminster, visited the ASU campus on April 11 to extend the invitation. He was accompanied by Robert Bone, executive director of the London New Year’s Day Parade, and Jonathan Whaley, director of international participation. 

“We can’t wait to see the Ram Band in London,” Bone said. “London just loves the U.S.A., so the warmest of welcomes awaits them.” 

The London New Year’s Day Parade and Festival is the largest of its kind in the world with more than 8,000 performers, a street audience of more than 600,000 and a global TV audience that numbers over 600 million. The 2019 event will be the 33rd and will be both televised and streamed live around the world. 

“Being invited to perform in the London New Year’s Day Parade is a huge honor for the Ram Band and Angelo State,” said Dr. Jonathan Alvis, ASU director of bands. “This is an invitation-only event that recognizes outstanding marching bands from across the country. We are very honored to be recognized in this way and to represent ASU in the international spotlight. It is a true testament to the quality of students at ASU and their work ethic.” 

ASU Provost Don Topliff accepts an English royal plate from Buckingham Palace as a gift from the past Lord Mayor of Westminster. ASU Provost Don Topliff accepts an English royal plate from Buckingham Palace as a gift from the past Lord Mayor of Westminster. The City of Westminster in the heart of London is more than 1,000 years old and carries a special cache in the hearts of the British public, being the home of Parliament, the Royal Family and dozens of historic buildings. The office of Lord Mayor carries many civic duties and responsibilities in the city at the center of government, state, church and royal residence – and includes hosting the highly prestigious London New Year’s Day Parade and Festival. 

With more than 125 student members, the ASU Ram Band is the most visible ensemble on campus and includes the Drumline, Color Guard, Twirlers and Angelettes. It provides spirit for and represents the entire ASU community at special events on and off campus, at all home football games and as the exhibition band at local compositions.