The Pride Of McNeese Cowboy Marching Band has been invited to take part in the 2018 London New Year's Day Parade, and they need our help getting there.

Sixteen American marching bands were chosen to participate in the upcoming event, and McNeese is one of only two university bands that received an invitation last November.

The parade route through London will take them around the Palace of Westminster, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey. Approximately 650,000 people are expected to be in attendance, and it will be televised to a worldwide audience of over 350 million people.

Director of Bands Dr. Jay Jacobs says the students will be responsible for covering the cost of their trip: approximately $3,350. That includes six days and nights in the United Kingdom and two travel days.

Dr. Jacobs says they are hoping to raise about $160,000 through fundraisers. If that goal is achieved, each student would receive $1,000 toward the cost of his or her trip.

 

McNeese Band Facebook
McNeese Band Facebook
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One such fundraising event called Drums & Drafts is being held at Crying Eagle Brewery on Saturday, August 5th. Advanced tickets are $20 and are available at the McNeese Alumni Center until August 3rd. Tickets will be available at the door the night of the event for $25. McNeese’s Steel Drum Band, African Drum Ensemble and Drumline will all be performing that evening.

 

Dr. Jacobs says any little bit donated helps the band towards its goal and is appreciated. Individuals, groups or businesses can make donations to the band travel fund through the McNeese Foundation online at www.mcneesefoundation.org or by calling 337-475-5588.

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