The Jag
By Owen Sterner
Reporter
Traveling is one of the world’s most popular New Year’s resolutions – but this year, Blue Springs South’s Music Department took it to a whole new level with a trip across the pond to participate in London’s New Year’s Day Parade.
Nearly 500 students and staff boarded over a dozen flights in an effort that had been in development since they were initially invited during October of last school year.
“We don’t give [south staff] enough credit for how carefully the trip was planned. Even with over 400 of us, it was well organized and thought out,” said senior choir member Collette Scott.
Additionally, the plans also included trips to historic locations in and around the city, including both Oxford University and Buckingham palace. Senior and marching band member Asher Clements highlighted his experience.
“It was crazy visiting all those famous places in person,” he said. “Actually walking through all of them after seeing them for years online or on the news was awesome.”
The students stayed busy with a performance on December 30th at Smith Square Hall. All groups performed a set of their own, followed by a combined performance of Katharine Lee Bates’ “America the Beautiful.” Senior color guard and choir member Ash Sigmon highlighted the sense of connectedness with her fellow students.
“We never get to perform all together like that,” she said. “It was like we brought South with us, all the way to London.”
Students were split up by department for living situations, but all came together on the night of the 31st for a New Year’s Eve party.
“We didn’t really see much of [other departments] while on tours, so it was exciting to be able to connect with all my friends at the party,” Scott added. “It was so cool being in the new year six hours ahead of everyone at home.”
Observing the performance was an audience of over 700,000, according to MSN, with millions more watching from home on PBS. With the parade’s official website giving an official count of over 8,000 performers in the parade itself, the sense of camaraderie and school spirit was at an all-time high.
“When we walked by, there was an announcer in the stand, and hearing them say “Blue Springs South Choir” made me so proud to be a part of a group with so many amazing people,” Scott said.
The consensus among students was one of intense confidence and pride through performing on an international stage.
“The energy was honestly unreal,” Clements said. “I’d never seen so many people in one place.”
The combination of cultural exploration combined with a performance and the time spent away from home created a week that students said was both challenging and unforgettable.
Though the trip included early mornings, long flights, and a mysterious sickness dubbed the “London plague,” it was still a life-changing experience for students.
“It was some of the most fun I’ve ever had.” Clements said. “I loved every part of the trip, and it’s something I’ll remember forever.”
