The DSU Approaching Storm Band has made such an impression during their New Year’s Day performance in London, England, a delegation from the country recently visited DSU to extend an open invitation for the marching band to return.

 

Lord Mayor Duncan Sandys of the city of Westminister, along with Bob Bone and Jonathan Whaley, both of the parade’s organizing committee, visited DSU on March 2 and met with DSU President Harry L. Williams, along with Dr. Marshall Stevenson, dean of the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, and Randolph Johnson, director of bands.

 

The University’s Approaching Storm Band traveled to England in late December to perform in the annual New Year’s Day London Parade.

 

After presenting Dr. Williams and Dr. Stevenson with some gifts, Mayor Sandys – adorned with his ceremonial red long coat that is tradition dress of mayors in England – presented Mr. Johnson with a framed letter that expressed the following:

 

“In recognition of an unparalleled reputation for outstanding performance abilities and deep appreciation of unwavering support of London’s Parade over many years, the patrons and the organizing committee of the New Year’s Day Parade and Festival – London, in association with Youth Music of the World, the City of Westminister, the Lieutenancy of Greater London and the London Mayor’s Association, take great pleasure in extending an open invitation to the Delaware State University Bands, Delaware, USA, to participate in London’s New Year’s Day Parade and Festival, whenever they are able to do so.”

 

Duncan Sandys,

Lord Mayor of The City of Westminister

Patron and host of the London Parade Festival