It is said that the cornerstone of Great Britain’s foreign policy is its relationship with America.
A microcosm of that unique relationship among the nations was on display Friday night at Alexis I. duPont High School. In preparation for the A.I. duPont marching band’s appearance in London’s New Year’s Day Parade & Festival, City of Westminster officials visited with the band and watched it perform during halftime of the football game.
Former Lord Mayor Catherine Longworth represented the Lord Mayoralty and the City of Westminster.
“I do love marching bands,” Longworth said. “I’ve been in the states quite a lot and I’ve seen them in competitions. I have to say this is one of the better lots I’ve seen,” she said to Tigers' applause. “In England, we don’t have marching bands so you’ll be an ambassador not only for your country but also to show the U.K. what marching bands are really all about.”
London Parade and Festival founder Bob Bone took it further.
“I’ve seen even more bands in my job than does the lord mayor in person,” he said. “I’d like to tell you with absolute sincerity, without any fear of retribution, that these people behind me are the best high school marching band I have ever seen. The Alexis I. duPont Tiger marching band will be leading the parade in 2009 behind the lord mayor."
| Alexis I. duPont High School band staff and student leadership Director: Paul Parets Associated Director: Richard Weaver Band Front Advisor: Holly Franklin Drum Major: Patrick McBrearty Assistant Drum Major: James Bell Officers: President Patrick Bowers, Vice-President -Kenny Siebold, Secretary - Katherine Horstman, Treasurer - Ryan Stanek Executive Board (Librarians): Stephanie Hoopes, Stephanie Clark, Spencer Killiani, Luis Esteves, Sabrina Reissman, Jonathan Soja, Polly Reinicker, Aly Paxton Executive Board (Finance): Alicen Brown, Briana Edwards, Sara Veale, Becca Alexander, D.V. Starr, Kyle Bell, Bert Brokaw, Nick Barrell Executive Board (Managers): Tyler Aikmen, Isaiah Brooks, Rob Conley, Taylor Carsch, Dylan McDowell, Dan Kane, Andrew Kane, Elliott Ledford |
Bone and Longworth presented the band with a Buckingham Palace souvenir plate. Drum major Pat McBrearty and band president Patrick Bowers, both seniors, accepted the gift on behalf of the band.
“Without America we wouldn’t be where we are today because America saved us in World War I and World War II,” Longworth said after the ceremony. “And we have this special relationship. One of the things these kids can do is continue the special bond between these two countries. It’s good for them to enjoy the culture of England and for the English to see the culture of America.”
