The “world-renowned” Marching Lancers prove their title once again after arriving back in Londonderry after their trip to London for the New Year’s parade. For some band members, this was their first time traveling to London. For others, like senior drum major Emily Stelmach, this was their first time traveling outside of the country altogether.
“I was excited to get the chance to experience England’s lifestyle and culture,” Stelmach said.
The band’s performance was one of their shorter ones, being only three minutes long.
“I think it was one of the best parades we’ve ever done,” senior Kira Collins said. “It was really short and enjoyable compared to some other ones we’ve done before.”
For the newer members of the band, like freshmen Blake Gustitus, this was the most people they’ve performed for at once.
“My favorite part of the parade was the sudden feeling I got when I saw all the people there,” Gustitus said. “It was so surreal marching for thousands of people and having them all cheer for you.”
Before the day of the parade, the band got the chance to visit several tourist attractions like the Tower of London, the London Eye, and Buckingham Palace .
“I think my two favorite places that we went to was Windsor Castle because it was just very beautiful and I felt very connected to it,” Collins said. “The second part of it that I would say I liked was going on the London Eye and seeing the city from an aerial view.”
This trip allowed the band to have an opportunity that not many have gotten a chance to experience.
“I think everybody had an excellent time,” Stelmach said, “I hope the band gets the chance to travel to London again in the near future.”
