December 19, 2022 – Downers Grove, Ill – Fine Arts faculty and students from North High School in Downers Grove will perform in the London New Year’s Day Parade and Choral Festival. On December 27, 212 students and 10 staff members will travel to London to begin the tour. See list below for livestream viewing opportunities.
"Our students work so hard to achieve high levels of excellence, and performances like the London New Year's Day Parade give our students a chance to be celebrated on a global scale. It also reminds them that their hard work can open an unimaginable number of doors to new experiences," said Jessen Smith, DGN Band Director.
The DGN Trojan Marching Parade will be the 28th unit (of 70) in the parade, which will be broadcast to tens of millions of homes worldwide on January 1, 2023. In addition to the parade, music ensembles from DGN will perform in several concerts in London from December 29, 2022 - January 2, 2023.
"The opportunity to have our choir students learn music for the London International Choral Festival, music that has such deep ties to the British choral tradition, has been a tremendous experience, and our students have really enjoyed the process," said Frank Piekarz, DGN Choir Director.
Retired faculty member Martha Merilos and student activities assistant Sharon Mamula helped organize a “Tag Along Tour” that will bring 160 family members to London to watch from the parade grandstands.
The Fine Arts Department will update their adventures on their official DGN London Tour website, Instagram, and Instagram and Twitter (@dgnfinearts, @dgnlondon2023).
Viewing Opportunities:
The most direct access point to watch the BBC’s Live Stream will be through the official LNYDP Website (LNYDP.com). A viewing link will be made available on the page on the morning of January 1. The parade begins at 12 p.m. in London (6 a.m. CST).
DGN Wind Ensemble - London New Year's Day Parade Gala Concert
Thursday, December 29, 2022
St. John's Smith Square Church
7:30 p.m. (1:30 p.m. CST)
No livestream; concert rebroadcast on delay HERE.
DGN Choir - London International Choral Festival Gala Concert
Monday, January 2, 2023
St. John's Smith Square Church 7:45 p.m. (1:45 p.m. CST)
No livestream; concert rebroadcast on delay HERE.