ALL-AMERICAN COLLEGIATE HONOUR BAND
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
ROADMAP
TIMELINE
PERFORMANC
ITINERARIES: BOOTCAMP
LONDON BAND
PARIS (OPTION
ADDITIONAL INFO PARTICIPATION FAQ WHAT NEXT? APPLICATION
You are between the ages of 18 and 25* (as at June 20th, 2025).
*If you a slightly older than 25 but have participated in a college marching band program recently and feel you would still be a worthy All-American candidate, please email allamerican@londonbandweek.com
Comprised of an application form, practical instrument assessment, and a personal interview The audition process is designed to minimise distraction from your studies and other priorities
Note: auditions are free.
You pass the 3 stage audition process. 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 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
“2025 will be my fourth 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 The Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines
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 Londoners They began work on the plane home to launch an Honour Band programme at London Band Week 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 detailed and thorough pre-trip planning, through being on the ground in London at both boot camp and during the event week, and after London Band Week when every AllAmerican becomes part of our band family
The extensive networks of London Band Week staff, drawn from music educators, military musicians, community ensemble 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 city is a home-from-home.
“Boot Camp?” we hear you ask. We have extended London Band Week especially for the All-American Collegiate Honour Band. This is so that you can have a few days ahead of London Band Week - the event week - in London to come together as a band The additional time will mean that there is no compromise on other activities
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 Flowerpot 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
ROADMAP
Preparation - at home & online
ThePreparationphasewillmakesurethatyouarriveinLondonastheverybestAllAmericanthatyoucanbe.Thisstartsbyensuringthatyouhavethecoreskillsand valuestoearnaplaceintheHonourBandThemusicplaylistwillbeassignedasearly aspossible,enablingyoutolearnyourpartswellinadvanceofarrival,andaround othercommitmentsyoumighthaveSupportwillbeavailableonlineforanyissues Finally,asthedeparturedateapproaches,onlinemeetingswilltakeplacetoshare youritineraryandtoprepareyouforyourtrip.Takenotethatanydatesbeloware subjecttochange.
ApplicationbySeptember30
AuditionbyOctober31
EnrolmentbyNovember15
MusicassignmentsfromDecember1
Pre-tripmeetingsfromFebruary1
Boot Camp - on the ground in London Especiallyextended! Applications now untilFebruary21st
BootCampwillprovidethetimeandspacetocometogetherasanensemblein LondonAheadoftheLondonBandWeekperformances,rehearsalwillcoverboth finessingthemusicandpracticingthefieldshow.Becausebandisaboutsomuch morethanjustmusicandmarching,andasLondonisthebestcityintheworld,social activitiesthatprovideanopportunityforbandbuildingwillalsofactoredduringthese initialdays
Musicandfieldshowrehearsals
Sightseeing Socials
London Band Week
Duringtheeventweek,youwillperformatalloftheheadlineeventsatLondonBand Week.Inadditiontotheperformances,therewillbeplentyoftimetoenjoy everythingthatLondonhastoofferyouastourists Thecityisunrivalledfor museums,palaces,cathedrals,galleries,performancevenues,nightlife,cuisine, historicmonuments,touristattractions,royalparksandcultureThelistisendless!Of course,youwillhavechancestomeetfellowmusiciansfromtheUnitedStatesand UnitedKingdomwhoarealsotakingpartinLondonBandWeek
PerformancesatTheLondonTattoo,LiveatTowerBridge,thePalaceParade ReviewandDrumlineLondon
Socials:WelcomeDrinksReception&BoatParty
SightseeingincludingentrytotheTowerofLondonandWindsorCastle
ITINERARIES
BOOT CAMP
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express - London ExCeL
Room allocation: 2 persons per room (single allocation available at additional cost)
Location: 2 minutes walk from the Royal Albert station on the Docklands Light Railway Royal Albert is two stops from Custom House station on the Elizabeth Line, providing direct access to central London within 20 minutes The hotel completed a major refurbishment of its rooms lobby and restaurant in June 2024
DAY 1 (DEPARTURE) - FRIDAY JUNE 20
As all but a few transatlantic flights to London from America require overnight travel, this day 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 fully responsible for your own accommodation until Saturday June 21 when you officially onboard with London Band Week.
DAY 2 (ARRIVAL) - SATURDAY JUNE 21
You will be met at the airport* and escorted to the boot camp hotel Much of the day will be spent doing registration, “week ahead” briefings, uniform adjustments and “get-to-know-you” type ice-breakers 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 fightoff the jet-lag.
DAY 3 - SUNDAY JUNE 22
Breakfast at the hotel (Full English recommended!) followed by a full day of music and marching rehearsals at a local facility Lunch will be provided onsite After rehearsals, you will transfer back to the hotel to freshen up, followed by a group night out ten-pin bowling with dinner included
DAY 4 - MONDAY JUNE 23
After breakfast at the hotel, the band will spend the first part of the day sightseeing in central London You’ll see the Changing of the King’s Guard at Buckingham Palace, the Palace of Westminster (Big Ben) and explore Trafalgar Square After a provided lunch, you will transfer to the rehearsal facility for music and marching practice until early evening After rehearsal there will be a hosted curry night Did you know that chicken tikka masala is a unique British innovation, and the country’s favourite dish?
* Guaranteed for Air Inclusive package only If you are a Land Only package traveller, an airport transfer to the hotel is at best endeavour of London Band Week and subject to your arrival time. You may need to travel to the boot camp hotel directly; detailed instructions will be provided)
ITINERARIES
LONDON BAND WEEK
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 Zedwell Piccadilly hosts the entire international cast of London Band Week 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.
In contrast to boot camp, 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!)
DAY 1 - TUESDAY JUNE 24
On Tuesday morning, you will check out of the boot camp hotel straight after breakfast and head 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 Piccadilly Circus for hotel check-in Once you have settled in and freshened up, there will be a London Band Week Welcome Drink Reception followed by a Fish & Chip dinner (included)
DAY 2 - WEDNESDAY JUNE 25
After an early breakfast at local eateries, you will head out for sightseeing on foot You’ll see St Paul’s Cathedral and walk across the River Thames to the South Bank to marvel at the Tate Modern A self-funded 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.
ITINERARIES
LONDON BAND WEEK
DAY 3 - THURSDAY JUNE 26
Following breakfast at local eateries, the day is free for sightseeing at your leisure Our recommendation would be to explore Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square, Carnaby Street and Covent Garden in the morning. Then, after a self-funded lunch in Chinatown, visit the National Gallery and the British Museum in the afternoon (which are both free to enter). Thursday evening will also be a great time to catch a show or concert, with a pre- or post- self-funded dinner to suit your appetite
DAY 4 - FRIDAY JUNE 27
Visit the Tower of London straight after breakfast at local eateries The historic site is home to the Crown Jewels. Make sure you take a tour with a Yeoman Warder (also known as a “Beefeater”). After a self-funded lunch, spend the afternoon in the City of London (also known as the “ square mile”). There are several buildings that offer free access to high-level viewing platforms. Leadenhall Market and the Bank of England are also worth a visit Also, don't forget to see London’s Roman history, with the remains of the capital's only Roman amphitheatre accessible at Guildhall Yard If you ’ ve got time, walk across Tower Bridge and explore the Shad Thames warehouse district This evening, a group dinner is included at the hip Seven Dials Market
DAY 5 - SATURDAY JUNE 28
Following an early breakfast at local eateries you will travel 30 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 rehearsal for the tattoo’s massed bands finale with the entire tattoo cast (typically 600+ 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’ll transfer back to the hotel and if you have the energy, enjoy the vibrant nightlife
DAY 6 - SUNDAY JUNE 29
With a grab ‘ n ’ go breakfast you will depart the hotel for Hampton Court Palace early After the Palace Parade Review and Drumline London, there will be time to tour the palace buildings and gardens before you transfer back to London Your last night in London will be commemorated at the boat party
DAY 7 (DEPARTURE) - MONDAY JUNE 30
Breakfast at local eateries 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
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 30
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 JULY 1
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 2
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 October 15). 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 LiveatTowerBridge BandClinicwithLondonBandWeek
WelcomeDrinksReception&BoatParty EntrancetoTheTowerofLondon,WindsorCastleandHamptonCourtPalace Allbreakfasts,5lunches,7dinners
Accommodation:
3nightsaccommodationattheHolidayInnExpress-LondonExCeL(multiple occupancy,inindividualbeds;singleroomsmaybeavailableatanadditional charge)
6nightsaccommodationattheZedwellPiccadillyCircus(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 Boot Camp?
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, Boot Camp 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: Friday, June 20
Boot Camp arrival day: Saturday, June 21
London Band Week departure day: Monday, June 30
Paris departure day: Wednesday, July 2 (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 Group travel is valid for departure from the USA on 6/19 or 6/20 and return to the USA from 6/30 to 7/6
Q:
Is there a uniform and who provides it?
A: Is there a payment plan to spread the participation fees?
Q: A:
Q: A:
The All-American Collegiate Honour Band will wear a bespoke blazer supplied by London Band Week Other items, including marching shoes, pants (black) and shirts (white) are the responsibility of each musician
Yes, London Band Week USA will spread the participation fee collections over several months
Is it free to audition?
Yes, auditions are free.
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
Successful applicants will be invited to audition. Remember, auditions are free.
If you have any questions, please email allamerican@londonbandweek.com
