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Posted: October 25, 2012

Second local marching band picked to perform in London parade

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Raleigh, N.C. — The West Johnston High School marching band was invited Thursday to perform in the 2014 London New Year's Day Parade and Festival.

Catherine Longworth, former Lord Mayor of the City of Westminster, extended the invitation during a visit to the school, one week after Raleigh's Leesville Road High School marching band was awarded the same once-in-a-lifetime offer.

"It's an incredible honor. It's an incredible payoff for the work the kids have this year and the previous 10 years the school has been open," said band director Garrett Griffin. "A lot of them are never going to have an opportunity like this – to travel to another country and see the things we're going to see."

Both bands will head across the pond to ring in 2014 with European flair and perform before an international audience.

The parade will include more than 8,000 performers and a street audience of more than 500,000 people.

Web Editor: Bridget Whelan

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Latest Comments

Crazy Train Ozzie...

I am very sorry that you don't see this as a great opportunity. It is fantastic for them and I know those kids have worked hard to get where they are. I went to West Johnston and was part of the band the first four years of its existence and I know how hard those kids work not only for the band, but in their classwork as well. I can tell you from experience it wasn't easy balancing school, band, and a job.

Think before you speak. West Johnston is very proud of their band program and they should be.

Congrats West Johnston!! You have worked very hard for this and it is very exciting for you!!

Watermelon
November 1, 2012 12:54 p.m.

WJHS was just in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade like 2 years ago...now this. Way to go! So proud! And they do practice alot, I live just down the street from the school and I can hear them!

tmp32100
October 26, 2012 11:47 a.m.

I was in marching band in High School - I would have loved an opportunity and honor like this! Congratulations to both schools!

Pepe Silvia
October 26, 2012 9:41 a.m.

What an honor! Alot of hard work by the bands and it paid off. congratulations to both schools :-)

charmed
October 26, 2012 9:18 a.m.

Congrats to both bands!! Have fun and make NC proud!