HONOUR
Music is for everyone! I am very excited that London Band Week has become even more accessible by providing an opportunity for individual musicians to to participate.
Dr. Graham O. Jones MBE President, London Band Week
CONTENTS
WHO CAN BE AN
ABOUT US: THE EXECUTIV HONOUR BAN
OVERVIEW:
LONDON BAND
COLLEGIATE H
PATHWAY
TIMELINE
PERFORMANC
ITINERARIES:
LONDON BAND
PARIS (OPTION
ADDITIONAL INFO PARTICIPATION
FAQ WHAT NEXT? APPLICATION
You will be between the ages of 18 and 25* (as at June 20th, 2026).
*If you are slightly older than 25 but have participated in a college marching band programme and feel you would still be a worthy All-American candidate, please email allamerican@londonbandweek.com
You have (ideally*) participated for multiple years in either a college marching band programme, a high school programme, or both.
*If you don’t meet this criteria but feel you would still be a worthy All-American candidate, please email allamerican@londonbandweek.com
DR. GRAHAM O. JONES MBE President, London Band Week
WELCOME TO OUR HONOUR BAND
“The expansive catchment of the All-American Collegiate Honour Band now makes London Band Week a viable opportunity for many more musicians I look forward to sharing London - the greatest city in the world - as a global performance stage with them all ”
Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) Dr. Graham O. Jones MBE was the 16th Director of Music of The Coldstream Guards Leading one of the most iconic military bands in the world, Dr. Jones frequently provided musical support for the Changing of the Queen's Guard at Buckingham Palace and other state ceremonies In 2007, Dr Jones became the Senior Director of Music for the Household Division, a pinnacle appointment in a distinguished military music career Since leaving the British Army, Dr Jones has remained very active as a clinician, adjudicator and lecturer working alongside musical ensembles around the world .
DR. MICHAEL J. STEWART
Director, All-American Collegiate Honour
Band
LONDON IS AN AMAZING DESTINATION
“2026 will be my fifth consecutive summer in London The city is fascinating, with an endless amount of opportunities to discover new things and create memories! With first-hand experience of working directly with the London Band Week team, I am very happy to be invited to lead the inaugural All-American Collegiate Honour Band.”
Dr Michael J Stewart is the director of one of America’s premier college marching bands His career spans teaching music education within the Delaware City school district (Delaware, Ohio) to students from grades 5 to 12; earning masters and doctorate degrees from the Ohio State University where he served as the Graduate Assistant Director with the marching band and Teaching Assistant within the School of Music, to his current appointment as the W J Julian Endowed Director of the “Pride of the Southland” Marching Band, and Associate Director of Bands, the University of Tennessee-Knoxville In 2023, Dr Stewart made history when he led the Pride of the Southland Band to London, where they performed at the inaugural London Tattoo performing alongside His Majesty’s Royal Marines Band, CTCRM.
LONDON BAND WEEK & THE ALL-AMERICAN COLLEGIATE HONOUR BAND
At the 2022 Florida Music Educator Association’s annual convention in Tampa, a Junior from a Florida college asked if they could participate at London Band Week Excitement soon turned to frustration, as London Band Week was not ready at that time to host individual musicians. The conflict with inclusivity did not sit well with the team of Londoners On the plane home they began work to launch an Honour Band programme at London Band Week as soon as possible You are now set to make history as part of the first All-American Collegiate Honour Band to play London
Our performances allow the ensembles to show the best version of themselves, true to who they are, whilst being immersed in our culture, traditions and heritage
Joe Wyndham Director London Band
Week
Some of the world’s finest and largest ensembles balk at the thought of an international performance tour. Aside from the significant logistical challenges, caution is often exercised due to a fear of not being able to successfully replicate the high performance standard created on their home-field (or in their bandroom) in a foreign land. London Band Week is uniquely designed to alleviate those challenges so that musicians, and the ensemble they form, can concentrate on what they do best
The All-American Collegiate Honour Band will have access to unparalleled support. Starting with thorough pre-trip planning, through to being on the ground in London for an additional rehearsal day and during the live event week, and long after London Band Week when every AllAmerican becomes a member of our band family
The extensive networks of London Band Week staff, drawn from music educators, military musicians, community ensembles members and travel leisure industry leaders with strong marching band heritage, will enable the Honour Band to operate and perform in London as if the capital city is a home-from-home
“An additional rehearsal day?” we hear you ask We have extended London Band Week by one day for the All-American Collegiate Honour Band This day of music orientation is so that you can have a day ahead of London Band Week - the event week - in London to come together as a ensemble The additional opportunity to rehearse will mean that there is no compromise on other activities scheduled during the event week
OVERVIEW
PERFORMANCES & KEY EVENTS
London Band Week has a perfect blend of events - be it performance, development, or social - that balances your time in London as both a tourist and touring artist. The performance formats and locations, and the participation of local bands, provide an insight to the United Kingdom’s marching band community, culture and traditions
The London Tattoo - Doe Den Tap Toe!
The term 'tattoo' originates from the 1600s, during the Thirty Years’ War in the European low countries Drummers from the fortress garrisons were sent out into the towns each evening to signal ‘doe den tap toe’ - ‘turn off the taps’, the instruction to the innkeepers to stop serving beer and inform the soldiers that it was time to return to their barracks for the night Today, tattoos feature marching bands performing elaborate music and drill displays The London Tattoo is held in the heart of London’s historic Royal Docks, at the Royal Victoria Dock You will perform a marching show, and partake in the massed bands finale among a cast of 600+ musicians.
OVERVIEW
PERFORMANCES & KEY EVENTS
The Palace Parade Review - In the King’s Garden
March in the magnificence of King Henry VIII's favourite royal residence! A parade of marching bands through the gardens of historic Hampton Court Palace The route starts and finishes on the East Front Lawn, and proceeds around the Great Fountain Garden, the majestic splendour of the palace’s façade providing the backdrop.
Drumline London - The Battle of Flower Pot Gate
A fine line separates the drumlines on the battlefield - the margin between victory and defeat is razor thin Spectator support casts influential favour and factors into the judges’ instant pollice verso! To the victorious Drumline will belong the spoils: the King's Shield in addition to ultimate bragging rights!
OVERVIEW
PERFORMANCES & KEY EVENTS
London Band Week - Live at Tower Bridge
This stand-still performance takes place alongside the iconic Tower Bridge on the southern bank of the River Thames This unrivalled London location enables you to perform facing Tower Bridge, the Tower of London and the City of London
In addition to the social events during boot camp, you will also be invited to attend the London Band Week Welcome Drinks Reception and Boat Party to herald the start and commemorate the close of the event week respectively.
Development
The LBW Masterclass Series runs on the day of the Tattoo As part of the workshop and masterclass series, the Honour Band will have a Band Clinic with Dr Graham O Jones MBE
As part of your package, entry to Hampton Court Palace, The Tower of London and Windsor Castle are all included Cultural excursions
OVERVIEW
PATHWAY
1 Preparation - at home & online
ThePreparationphasewillmakesurethatyouarriveinLondonastheverybestAllAmericanthatyoucanbe.Thisstartsbyensuringthatyouhavethecoreskillsand valuestoearnaplaceintheHonourBandThemusicplaylistwillbeassignedasearly aspossible,enablingyoutolearnyourpartswellinadvanceofarrival,andaround othercommitmentsyoumighthaveSupportwillbeavailableforanyissuesFinally, asthedeparturedateapproaches,onlinemeetingswilltakeplacetoshareyour itineraryandtoprepareyouforyourtrip
Note:thedatesbelowaresubjecttochange.
ApplicationbySeptember15
EnrolmentbySeptember30
PositionplacementbyOctober31
MusicassignmentsfromNovember30
Pre-tripmeetingsfromFebruary1
2 Assemble - on the ground in London
Adayofrehearsalwillprovidethetimeandspacetocometogetherasanensemble inLondonAheadoftheLondonBandWeekperformances,therehearsaldaywill coverfinessingthemusicandpracticingabasicfieldshow.Becausebandisaboutso muchmorethanjustmusicandmarching,andasLondonisthebestcityintheworld tomakenewfriends,asocialactivitythatprovidesanopportunityforbandbuilding willconcludetheday
Musicandbasicfieldshowrehearsal Bandbuildingsocialnight
3 London Band Week
Duringtheeventweek,youwillperformatalloftheheadlineLondonBandWeek eventsInadditiontotheperformances,therewillbeplentyoftimetoenjoy everythingthatLondonhastoofferyouastourists Thecityisunrivalledfor museums,palaces,cathedrals,galleries,performancevenues,nightlife,cuisine, historicmonuments,touristattractions,royalparksandculture.Thelistisendless!Of course,youwillhavechancestomeetfellowmusiciansfromtheUnitedStatesand UnitedKingdomwhoarealsotakingpartinLondonBandWeek
PerformancesatTheLondonTattoo,LiveinLondon(TowerBridge),the PalaceParadeReviewandDrumLineLondon
Socials:WelcomeDrinksReception&BoatParty
SightseeingincludingentrytotheTowerofLondonandWindsorCastle
OVERVIEW
TIMELINE
Position Placement by Oct 31, 2025
Music Assignment
Pre-Trip Meetings
from Nov 30, 2025
Oct 2025
Nov 2025
Dec 2025 by Sept 15, 2025 by Sept 30, 2025
Feb 2026 from Feb 1, 2026
Jun 2026
Aug 2025 Arrival
Jun 22, 2026
Jun 23, 2026
Jun 23 - 29, 2026
Jul 2026
Jun 30 - Jul 2, 2026
LONDON BAND WEEK
Your itinerary for London Band Week allows for free time to explore London as you desire On that basis, the following itinerary is merely our recommendation, using our local knowledge on what we would do and when we would do it, based upon the time available! Of course, events such as your performances are non-negotiable on timing, but everything else can be tailored to your objectives and preferences
Before you arrive in London you will be issued with your London Band Week Survival Guide which will contain full details of your itinerary, including “how-to” guidance, and also alternate itinerary options. For example: Abbey Road, the Guildhall Art Gallery, Evensong at Westminster Abbey, the V&A, the Royal College of Music’s Museum, Battersea Power Station, Tate Britain, the National Maritime Museum or the Monument Also, the London Band Week staff are here for you! If you suggest something you want to do, we can provide advice and a plan However, we won’t shy away from honest opinion! In our view, the London Eye is very expensive, and there are many better (and free) ways to get an elevated vista of the London skyline!
Accommodation: The Zedwell Piccadilly, London Trocadero Room allocation: 2 to 4 persons per room (single allocation available at additional cost)
Location: Situated in the heart of Piccadilly Circus in central London The hotel’s rooms are referred to as “ cocoons ” The hotel is focused on delivering a sleep-centric experience and is designed with noise-reducing walls, floors and doors, along with ambient lighting to create the optimal environment for rest and relaxation
DAY 1 (DEPARTURE FROM THE USA) - SUNDAY JUNE 21
As almost all transatlantic flights from the USA to the UK require overnight travel, Sunday June 21 should be reserved in your diary as a travel day
Note: If you prefer to arrive in London earlier, you are welcome to do so but you will be responsible for your own accommodation until 22 June when you officially onboard with London Band Week.
DAY 2 (ARRIVAL) - MONDAY JUNE 22
You will be met at the airport* by your London Band Week Liaison Officers and escorted to the hotel The day will be split across onboarding and then sightseeing Our recommendation would be to explore Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square, Carnaby Street and Covent Garden, all of which are very close to the hotel In the evening, you’ll be hosted for a group welcome dinner followed by a visit to a London pub for those who manage to fight-off the inevitable jet-lag
* Guaranteed for the Air Inclusive package only If you are a Land Only package traveller, the transfer to the hotel is subject to your arrival time at the airport terminal and at the best endeavour of London Band Week If you do need to travel to the hotel directly detailed instructions will be provided
LONDON BAND WEEK
DAY 3 - TUESDAY JUNE 23
Following breakfast most of Tuesday is assigned for All-American Honour Band rehearsal Late afternoon, you will join the fellow international guests of London Band Week for a Welcome Drinks Reception and then dinner at Seven Dials Market
DAY 4 - WEDNESDAY JUNE 24
This morning after breakfast you will watch the Changing of the King’s Guard at Buckingham Palace After the ceremony you will visit the Palace of Westminster (Big Ben), exploring Trafalgar Square, St. James’s Park, Downing Street and Horse Guards along the way. After a self-funded lunch, you will tour the Tower of London (entry included). The historic royal palace & fortress was built by William the Conqueror and is now home to the Crown Jewels. Make sure you take a tour with a Yeoman Warder (also known as a “Beefeater”) If needed, there will time in the late afternoon for an additional music rehearsal
DAY 5 - THURSDAY JUNE 25
After breakfast you will transfer to Royal Windsor Local attractions include Windsor Castle & St George’s Chapel (entry included) and the Great Park with the iconic Long Walk After a self-funded lunch in the town, you will transfer back to central London for a quintessentially British Fish ‘ n ’ Chip dinner
DAY 6 - FRIDAY JUNE 26
Straight after breakfast you will head out for sightseeing. We recommend visiting St. Paul’s Cathedral, followed by a walk across the river Thames (using the pedestrian only Millennium Bridge) to the South Bank to marvel at the Tate Modern A selffunded lunch at the trendy Borough Market will solve for all appetites In the afternoon, the All-American Collegiate Honour Band will make their debut London performance: Live at Tower Bridge! The remainder of the day is free to explore London at your leisure, with time for a self-funded dinner The British Museum and National Gallery both has late opening hours on Friday
DAY 7 - SATURDAY JUNE 27
Following an early breakfast you will travel 40 minutes to London’s ExCeL, the home of the London Tattoo and the LBW Masterclass Series. During the day you will rehearse your field-show for the tattoo, and also rehearse for the tattoo’s massed bands finale involving the entire tattoo cast (typically 700+ musicians).
As part of the LBW Masterclass Series, you’ll have a band clinic with Dr. Graham O. Jones MBE, the President of London Band Week Lunch and dinner are provided onsite during the day After the Tattoo finale, you can incorporate the cable car across the river Thames into your journey back to the hotel, after which if you have the energy, you can enjoy the vibrant Saturday nightlife,
LONDON BAND WEEK
DAY 8 - SUNDAY JUNE 28
After breakfast you will depart the hotel for Hampton Court Palace Home to King Henry VIII, the historic royal palace hosts the London Band Week’s Palace Parade Review and DrumLine London A royal brown-bag lunch is provided and there will be time to tour the palace buildings and gardens before you transfer back to London Your last night in London will be spent onboard a boat navigating the river Thames, with dinner and party DJ provided
DAY 9 (DEPARTURE) - MONDAY JUNE 29
Breakfast followed by preparations for departure
After hotel check-out, and subject to your flight departure time, accompanied by a London Band Week Liaison Officer you’ll transfer to the airport for your flight home
ITINERARIES
PARIS
(optional, at additional cost)
Ouais, Paris n’est qu’à un joli voyage en train de Londres!
London’s gateway to France is St. Pancras International station, conveniently located just 20 minutes from the London Band Week hotel Eurostar trains run direct to Paris Gare du Nord in a journey time of 2 hours 16 minutes We recommend a 2 night stay in the City of Lights to explore the iconic sights
DAY 1 (ARRIVAL) - MONDAY JUNE 29
After arrival, visit the most famous landmark of Paris, the Eiffel Tower, followed by a cruise on the River Seine After the Seine cruise, walk to the famous Arc de Triomphe You will need to ticket to ascend to the top, but the Place and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier are free to visit
Take a stroll along the Champs-Élysées It is very touristy and often packed, so a quick walk is enough to take in the beauty, as you head towards Place de la Concorde The Place itself is not too spectacular, but its views make it special - the Eiffel Tower, back along the Champs-Élysées, and the Pyramid of the Louvre!
The Hotel de la Marine is at the Place de la Concorde. The resemblance to the Château de Versailles is no coincidence; they were designed by the same architect! For our short tour, the Hotel de la Marine is a fitting and convenient alternative to the Palace.
Montmartre is a perfect location for the evening, where you can take in the atmosphere in one of the many street cafés, go dancing at Moulin Rouge, or just take the opportunity to stroll the cobbled stone alleys
DAY 2 - TUESDAY JUNE 30
Start the day at the Louvre The Museum is huge, but you’ll have ample time to see the most famous paintings; following one of the free visitors’ trails is highly recommended After the museum, the Tuileries are a great spot to enjoy a relaxing coffee. From the Louvre, it’s just a 15-min walk to one of the nicest quartiers of Paris:
The Marais It is a great place for shopping, strolling and dining - and lunch! After lunch, head over to Saint Michel On the way, you’ll pass Notre Dame and at least one beautiful island on the Seine The fountain is the main draw to Saint Michel; once you have seen it, head towards Saint-Germain-des-Prés, another iconic district of Paris, which you explore best by just wandering around. In the evening, head to the Latin Quarter, Paris’ university district. You’ll find quaint cobblestone streets and narrow alleys, offering a glimpse of what resembles an old town The area boasts an array of restaurants and bars, offering a culinary and social experience that’s hard to match anywhere else in Paris
DAY 3 (DEPARTURE) - WEDNESDAY JULY 1
Breakfast at the hotel followed by preparations for departure
After hotel check-out, and subject to flight departure times, you’ll transfer to the airport for your flight home.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
PARTICIPATION PACKAGES
You don’t have to decide which participation package you wish to take until Enrolment (expected to close on September 30). This page is to inform you of the options available to you
There are two participation packages offered by London Band Week USA:
Option 1: Land Only
Price: $3,495*
Option 2: Air Inclusive
Price: $4,795*
Note: The optional trip extension to Paris is available for both Ground Only and Air Inclusive travellers. Price available upon expression of interest.
* Subject to final contract
London Band Week inclusions:
ForAirInclusivetravellers:Round-tripairfareandguaranteedUKairporttransfers
Performancesat:TheLondonTattoo,PalaceParadeReview,DrumlineLondonand LiveinLondon(TowerBridge)
BandClinicwithLondonBandWeek
WelcomeDrinksReception&BoatParty
EntrancetoTheTowerofLondon,WindsorCastleandHamptonCourtPalace Allbreakfasts,3lunches,5dinners
Accommodation:
7nightsaccommodationattheZedwellPiccadillyCircus(multipleoccupancy, inindividualbeds;singleroomsmaybeavailableatanadditionalcharge)
Motorcoachtransfersasindicatedintheitinerary
Pre-paidTfLVisitorOysterCard
DedicatedLondonBandWeekLiaisonsonsite
Dedicatedpre-departurestaffintheUSA
Welcomepack,souveniraccreditation,participationmemento,anddetailed “SurvivalGuide”outlininghowtomakethebestofyourtimeinLondon
Exclusions:
Any items not specifically listed above as “inclusions”
Q:
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FAQ
Do I need to bring my own instrument to London?
A: Do I have to attend the additional rehearsal day on June 23?
We expect All-Americans to have their own instruments in London Only sousaphones and percussion will be provided as standard However, if you have an exceptional circumstance, please email allamerican@londonbandweek.com
Q:
A:
Q:
A:
Q:
A:
Yes This day will ensure that the All-American Collegiate Honour Band is ready to perform at London Band Week.
Is there flexibility with the travel dates?
Yes, there is flexibility with the travel dates, but only to extend the trip before or after the scheduled arrival or departure dates respectively. As a reminder those dates are:
US Departure Day: Sunday June 21
Arrival day: Monday June 22
London Band Week departure day: Monday June 29
Paris departure day: Wednesday July 1 (based upon a 2 night stay in Paris)
What is the US airport of departure?
The Air Inclusive package includes a transatlantic round-trip airfare from New York-JFK to London Heathrow Connecting domestic flights can be arranged, and your overall route potentially modified for other departure points, please enquire for a quote for either of these cases
Q:
A:
Q: A:
Is there a uniform and who provides it?
The All-American Collegiate Honour Band will wear a bespoke blazer supplied by London Band Week Other items, including marching shoes, pants or skirts (black) and shirts or blouses (white) are the responsibility of each musician.
Is there a payment plan to spread the participation fees?
Yes, London Band Week USA will spread the payments over several months.
APPLICATION
If you have made it this far and want to take the next step, please use the QR code or click the link to begin your application to join the Honour Band in London next year
If you have any questions, please email allamerican@londonbandweek.com
