WKU News

On January 1, 2025, WKU’s Big Red Marching Band performed overseas in the 2025 London New Year’s Day Parade (LNYDP). The parade, which was broadcast on PBS, the LNYDP website, and other international television stations, reached over 500 million viewers and covered approximately 82% of U.S. television markets. This prestigious performance aligned perfectly with a major milestone for the band, as 2025 marks their 100th anniversary.

The journey to London started in September 2023, when an official entourage of LNDYP patrons flew from London to Bowling Green to visit the Big Red Marching Band and invite them to perform in the parade.

“When they called us to rehearsal the day of the announcement, I think most of us suspected we were about to hear some big news,” said Colorguard performer Katie-Mae Williams, a senior Medical Laboratory Science major from Horse Cave, KY. Senior saxophonist Justin Fiessinger, a Music Education major from Glasgow, KY, was just as stunned. “I was shocked and surprised that we would have the opportunity to travel internationally and perform for a global audience,” he said.

For many members, the trip was filled with first-time experiences. “This was my first time traveling abroad and even my first time on an airplane,” said Williams. Since many students had never traveled internationally, preparations began months in advance. “I didn’t even have a passport yet,” said saxophonist Isaiah McFadden, a junior majoring in Instrumental Music Education from Mount Vernon, IN.

Gearing up for the trip involved more than just packing suitcases—it also meant organizing their big performance. The band ensured everything was in place for their performance, which included shipping uniforms and larger instruments about a month in advance to guarantee their timely arrival. Members of the band attribute their painless travel and performance preparations to Director of Athletic Bands, Dr. Matthew McCurry, and Director of Bands, Dr. Gary Schallert.

“Dr. Matthew McCurry is an incredibly smart man, and, throughout the year, he gave us music to work on for football games that we could later use in the parade,” said clarinetist Steven Bernard, a senior Music Education major from Russell Springs, KY. “Everything we performed in London was something we had already practiced and performed at games throughout the year.”

Despite the typically high costs of an international trip like this, WKU helped alleviate the financial burden for students.

“WKU provided $1,000 for each student, the Music Department contributed an additional $400, and we were also able to apply our marching band scholarships toward the trip,” said Bernard. “To cover the remaining expenses, we organized several fundraisers, including a Corvette raffle.”

The trip gave students memories they will carry for years to come. One of the most unforgettable experiences for Bernard and McFadden was performing at Cadogan Hall, a historic concert hall in London which is home to the esteemed Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

“I played the tenor solo in the last piece, Come Sunday,” said McFadden. “It was exciting to play not only for my peers, but also for people from the other side of the world.” Bernard echoed that sentiment: “As a kid from western Kentucky, getting to perform in London felt unreal.”

When they weren’t performing, students had the chance to explore the city in their free time. McFadden enjoyed walking through Regent’s Park and taking in the scenery, while Bernard took the opportunity to see the Mean Girls musical on London’s West End. Williams loved exploring the city, but, for Fiessinger, the British cuisine was the best part.

“One of my goals was to eat as much classic British food as I could, from the classic fish and chips to bangers and mash,” he said. “Katie-Mae and I even got the opportunity to dine at a Gordon Ramsey restaurant one night!”

After their time in London, students had the option to extend their trip with a visit to Paris, which many chose to do. For Williams and Fiessinger, the Paris extension holds a special place in their relationship.

“We got engaged on our last night in Paris, right in front of the Eiffel Tower,” said Williams. “Band brought us together nearly six years ago, and it’s something that will always be a part of our lives. This trip is one we’ll never forget.”

The Department of Music played a crucial role in making the trip a success, supporting students every step of the way. They held meetings beforehand, provided informational packets, and kept students updated through a band app.

“I’m really thankful for Dr. McCurry, Dr. Schallert, and the entire Music Department for all the work they did to get us there,” said Bernard. “Dr. McCurry even stayed at the airport when we got home to make sure every single person made it back safely.”

Williams and Fiessinger echoed this appreciation. “This is something we would have never been able to do on our own,” said Williams. “Getting to take this trip with not only each other but also our friends and the most amazing marching band program meant so much to us.”

To watch the performances of the WKU Big Red Marching Band in London, please visit https://www.wku.edu/band/centennial/london_performances.php.