Commonwealth University Bands Host Fundraiser to Benefit Students Traveling to London

Commonwealth University (CU) bands will soon depart on a trip to England from December 28 to Jan. 4, 2024 to perform in the London New Year’s Day Parade and Celebrations.

Sixty-nine performers will travel to London, along with four staff members: 47 students from Mansfield, six students from Lock Haven, 10 students from Bloomsburg and six Mansfield alumni. 

While in London, the musicians will have opportunities to see The Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Royal Albert Music Hall, museums, Buckingham Palace and more. Additionally, they will be treated to a West End Performance (akin to Broadway) of “Wicked.” 

Since the majority of the trip is funded directly by the students, the CU Department of Music, Theatre and Dance has initiated a fundraiser with a goal of $12,000 to help defray the costs for the students. Donations can be made in any amount at https://tinyurl.com/CU-Band-London. 

More than 600,000 people are anticipated to line the parade route, and international television coverage will broadcast to an audience of approximately 6 billion viewers.