On January 1, 2026, Mercer Island High School’s marching band, the ‘Pride of the Island,’ stepped onto the world stage for London’s 40th New Year’s Day Parade. Our 206 band students marched alongside 15 other American high school and college bands, as well as a wide assortment of international performers. The parade route led them through the heart of London, ending with a glorious sunset behind Big Ben.
Over six days, London became both classroom and stage. The group enjoyed a Thames River cruise, explored the Tower of London, and performed in Russell Square Park, where the band entertained MI band families and awe-struck onlookers. The gave a high energy performance at Covent Garden for a massive, enthusiastic crowd, followed by an elegant evening at the theater seeing Wicked. Students toured Oxford University, with many leaving inspired, considering the possibility of one day studying abroad. The group rang in the New Year with an energetic party in their hotel featuring a DJ and dancing, then tried to rest in preparation for their parade the next morning.
The scale and spirit of the parade were unforgettable. Band members enjoyed seeing the skill and creativity of marching bands who also crossed the Atlantic for the event. Crowds waved and cheered as the MIHS band passed by with precision and their powerful sound. Their televised spotlight performance impressed the announcers and spectators alike, and ended by unfurling a huge banner reading “Thank You Parents!” In the hours after the parade, students relaxed with satisfaction, knowing their dedication and hard work had paid off.
Before boarding flights home, the group spent their final full day exploring Windsor Castle and the surrounding charming town. Spirits remained high despite the cold temperatures, buoyed by the shared knowledge that they had risen to the occasion and made their hometown proud.
The band’s ongoing focus on excellence extends beyond music and marching to include gratitude, accountability, and grit. Many positive comments followed the group throughout the trip. London Parade guide Cecilia, who accompanied the band throughout their stay shared, “Young people don’t learn these skills by accident. I could see how intentionally they were prioritized, and the effects were tangible in the kids.”
The ambitious trip was led by high school band co-directors Parker Bixby, Kyle Thompson, and Jacob Krieger, organizational lead Jen McClellan, a strong hierarchy of student leadership and 20 chaperones. Together, they guided all 206 students across six flight groups, two additional performances, and a globally broadcast parade. A year-long, 25 member parent committee and the ongoing efforts of the Mercer Island Band Boosters helped make the experience possible.
Students and families raised more than $85,000 in scholarships through car wash ticket sales, a successful rummage sale, community outreach, and the annual Band Together Auction, ensuring every student could participate.
Reflecting on the experience, McClellan shared, “Our MI community can be so proud of these students for their professionalism, musicianship, and kindness. They impressed not only parade spectators, but everyone they encountered along the way. We are deeply grateful to our community for its continued support of fine arts education and this remarkable band program.”
GO MERCER!
Paulette Denman is a band parent, chaperone, London Parent Committee co-chair, and member of Mercer Island School’s Band Boosters.