May 19, 2013
Tallahassee, FL - September 28, 2012
Tallahassee, FL - September 28, 2012
The rumors were circulating, from reality star Snooki to President Barack Obama, students at Leon High School knew they were getting a surprise visitor today.
The Leon High School Band gave a nice, warm, musical welcome Friday afternoon, but, students had no idea who they were welcoming.
It was Deputy Lieutenant of London Roger Bramble.
He and other representatives visited Tallahassee to give the band a *surprise* invitation.
Lizzy Krzeminski, Leon Band Drum Major: "It feels pretty good. I'm very, very - really, I ca't even begin to explain my excitment right now."
Leon's band is invited to perform in London's New Year's Day Parade in 2014.
The highly prestigious tradional trun of year celebration is established as the bigges event of its kind anywhere in the world.
Brett Pikuritz, Leon High School Band Director: "I feel so humble and gracious to the organization because this is my first year. The kids are doing great work but, this invitation is because of the work that has preceded us."
The band showed the Queen's representatives just why they deserved to be among the nearly nine-thousand performers from all corners of the globe who participate at the parade and festival.
Brett Pikuritz, Leon High School Band Director: "I think they really are what teh crowds come out to see. We don't have that sort of thing in the UK. We have plenty of military bands, brass bands, that sor of thing. But, we don't have the raz-ma-taz of the American high school stuff. So, they love it."
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Tallahassee, FL - September 28, 2012
WCTV wants you to know that it's been hard to keep this a secret, but we did as instructed to keep the students from finding out and spoiling the surprise!
The Deputy Lieutenant of London – Her Majesty the Queen’s Representative – travelled to Tallahassee today to deliver a very special invitation from the Olympic City to some talented young musicians.
Roger Bramble DL is on a special mission which will enable Leon High School to embark on a wonderful European adventure.
The students were not told that the invitation is coming.
The band will make an historic appearance at London’s New Year’s Day Parade 2014.
The highly prestigious traditional turn of year celebration is established as the biggest event of its kind anywhere in the World.
More than 10,000 performers from all corners of the globe entertain a street audience of around 500,000 – and a global TV audience of tens of millions.
The historic 2.2 mile parade route enjoys the magnificent backdrop of iconic buildings streets, squares and piazzas.
Local TV stations will be offered full coverage of the London’s New Year’s Day parade featuring the band’s performance live.
The Deputy Lieutenant was accompanied by directors of the parade Bob and Geraldine Bone and parade executive Jonathan Whaley.
Patrons and supporters of the event include The Lord Mayor of Westminster, Prime Minister David Cameron, London Mayor Boris Johnson and senior representatives of the American community in London.
The students will also embrace the rich cultural heritage of the country with a comprehensive educational and cultural programme of activities during their week-long visit.
Their programme of activity will embrace visits to some of London’s many world class museums, galleries and historic sites.
