International sound: USD marching band to play in London New Year’s Day parade

The Sound of USD will be ringing in the 2017 New Year in style.

Former Lord Mayor of Westminster Duncan Sandys formally invited The Sound to perform in London’s historical New Year’s Day parade.

The Sound of USD is USD’s marching band. It’s comprised of around 100 students, Jonathan Alvis, director of athletic bands, said. They normally perform at USD’s home football games and one away game per year and go on a tour each year to play for other schools as well.

The ceremony that announced The Sound was invited to London parade was held at USD March 22.

Emma Groninger, a first-year involved in the Color Guard, said she never expected something like this to happen to her during her time at USD. She said she had an especially good time at the invitation ceremony.

“There were so many cameras and people,” Gronginger said. “Everyone was cracking jokes and having a good time. My favorite part was when our band director, Dr. Alvis, was given an umbrella. He was told as long as he has that umbrella with him, it won’t rain in London during the trip”.

There were only 20 bands from the United States scouted for the parade, which include some high school, college and community bands.

As rare as it is to be chosen, this is the second time The Sound has been invited to London. The group performed in the parade in 2012.

Despite this not being a newly bestowed honor, band members are still thrilled with the news.

“As soon as I heard about the London trip, I was very excited,” Groninger said. “Representing USD is a very great honor.”

Jenna Peterson, a junior who’s also involved in the Color Guard, said the invitation was an incredible surprise.

“I believe we [the band] were all thrilled and honored when we heard about the invitation,” Peterson said. “This is a once0-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and it is rewarding to know that all the hard work and dedication we put into performing every year has been internationally recognized”.

The hard work The Sound has put in over the years will only intensify in the coming months, Peterson said.

“The band will be doing countless hours of preparation,” she said. “Dr. Alvis and his assistants will be working tirelessly to get everything ready for us, and the band members will be spending countless hours practicing next fall in addition to their normal shows.”

Groninger said drumline and color guard have already started to practice for the international performance.

Peterson and Groninger haven’t traveled to London before, but both think it will be a fun and unique experience.

“It will be incredible to be in such an amazing and historic city,” Peterson said. “Being able to march in a parade with this much prestige only adds to the excitement. It will definitely be an unforgettable experience.”

Though the performance is the group’s main focus, it’s not the only thing band members have to look forward to on this trip. Groninger said the band will have at least a few free days to explore the city. However, since this is her first time in London, she said she doesn’t know what she wants to do or see yet.

While this trip is exciting for many, the issue of money looms over some band members.

“Band members are responsible for the cost of the trip, and financial aid remains unknown at this time,” Peterson said.

Due to this, some band members may be unable to pay for the trip. However, the community and alumni are encouraged to donate and support fundraising attempts.

Peterson said anyone interested in donating can contact Alvis or band members.

While their regular season is always fun, Peterson said that this trip will be one for the books.

“We all have a great time during games and while on tour, but this trip will be unparalleled,” Peterson said. “It would be disheartening to miss out on something we have all worked so hard to achieve.”