MIHS Band Prepares for New Year's Day Parade London

If you live just south of Mercer Island High School, you've seen and heard the Islander band march along a large square route over and over again these past three days. Twice around this perimeter, says Band Director Parker Bixby, is nearly 2 miles, the length of the actual parade route in London.  [42nd Street to 92nd Avenue SE to 44th Street to 89th Avenue SE to 42nd again--- and again].

After day two (Tuesday), Bixby said there had been vast improvement which will free them up to work on finer details. He told band members the goal was to reinforce "muscle memory" until it takes over, making the routine seem automatic.

"The kids  have worked hard and it's really paid off--they're ready to go," Bixby said. He seemed a little more relaxed and relieved, even though the details of packing instruments, uniforms, and the travel logistics sounded daunting. The first group leaves for Heathrow around 3:00am on the 28th.

Bixby believes MI will appear near the end of the parade, so you may not have to start viewing at 3:30am to catch the Islanders. For those parents and fans wanting every possible detail, below is the verbatim informational release received by Bixby from Parade officials:

PARADE GOES GLOBAL ON BBC SITE

 The entire New Year's Day Parade London will be streamed live around the World on the BBC website on January 1st, it has been confirmed.

Officials have been persuaded to lift the international bar which usually prevents overseas 'viewers' accessing BBC streams – due to the unprecedented international demand.

The 25^th Anniversary parade telecast, which features more than 8,000 performers from a number of nations, can be accessed at www.bbc.co.uk/london .

Streaming is due to begin at 11.30 am GMT (06.30 EST).

"This is terrific news! Well done BBC." said Bob Bone, Executive Director of The New Year's Day Parade.

"Having the BBC provide global coverage is a massive boon – especially for the thousands of performers who are travelling to London from outside the country.  They will have many friends and family members wanting to enjoy the moment too.

"Hundreds of TV stations will be receiving coverage via satellite – but there are always areas that won't have the benefit of a local screening."

There will be additional post parade streams at www.infomation.tv on January 1^st and 2^nd at 20.00 GMT (15.00 EST) and at 17.00 GMT (12 Noon EST) on January 3^rd.

FURTHER INFORMATION FROM DAN KIRKBY 07785 392 735

NOTE the times above need to be converted to local time; so on January 1st and 2nd, the repeat will occur at 12:00 noon local time and on January 3rd, 9:00am local time.

GO Islanders, We're rooting for you!