September 3, 2008

 

Contact:  Dr. Ed Cannava

                 Arapahoe High School

                 303-347-6031

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

 

BAND TO BANG DRUM IN LONDON

 

Centennial, Colorado—A talented young band from Arapahoe High School, in Centennial, is set to bang the drum for their school, town, state and country in one of the World’s greatest street spectaculars—The New Year’s Day Parade in London.  The Arapahoe High School Warrior Marching Band has been selected from hundreds of hopefuls to make the momentous Trans-Atlantic trip at the turn of the year.

 

Band Director Dr. Ed Cannava traveled to the UK capital this past June to receive the prestigious invitation from former Lord Mayor of Westminster, Deputy Lieutenant and Parade Goodwill Ambassador, Councillor Robert Davis DL.  The invitation ceremony took place in the auspicious surroundings of The Lord Mayor’s Parlour, at Westminster City Hall.

 

Organizers have announced that the entire traditional celebration will be beamed live via satellite to television stations across the USA—totally free of charge.  The transmission gives American networks and local stations the chance to enjoy performances from more than 3,000 young American musicians and cheerleaders participating in the event.  Organizers, Destination Events, decided to make the move following unprecedented demand for television footage of this year’s highly successful parade—hailed as the biggest and best, yet.

 

And interest in the twenty-third Spectacular—to be held on January 1st, 2009—is only expected to grow.

“It is wonderful to give the world a window to our traditional pageant,” said Executive Director Bob Bone.  “And I am delighted that these talented young people will be featured to the fullest possible extent.  They come highly recommended with our International Selection Panel singing their praises.”

 

Stations wishing to broadcast the entire event, news clips or recorded highlights should register their interest by emailing the Director of Communications, Dan Kirkby, at dan@dkpr.co.uk.

 

More than 8,000 performers from a number of nations will gather in London to create a fitting high point to the traditional turn of the year celebrations.  Around  475,000 spectators packed the center of London on January 1st to marvel at this year’s event—and even more are expected for the ‘milestone’ spectacular marking  the arrival of 2009.

 

Viewers can enjoy the event in its entirety, including:

·         The build-up along Millbank and Parliament Square

·         The ceremonial starting at 12 Noon

·         Massive marching bands

·         Historic vehicles

·         Cheerleaders

 

 

 

 

·         The Mayors of London

·         Clowns

·         A special message from Her Majesty The Queen

·         The Let’s Help London Challenge

The historic route passes some of London’s finest buildings, including Parliament, Westminster Abbey, 10 Downing Street and the National Gallery.

 

Television stations wishing to secure coverage should register their interest:

Dan Kirkby +44 1580 201906 or dan@dkpr.co.uk

 

The Arapahoe High School Warrior Marching Band will be departing Denver on December 27th and returning on January 3rd.  Other performances will take place in Dover, St. John’s at Smith Square and Central Westminster Hall.  Dr. Ed Cannava is the Director of Bands at Arapahoe.  Trip donations can be sent to:  Arapahoe H.S. Band, 2201 E. Dry Creek Rd., Centennial, CO 80122.