FMHS band receives invite to 2017 New Year’s Day parade in London

FORT MYERS, Fla.- Friday night, the Fort Myers High School band will perform at its usual weekly football game, but off the field, the students are gearing up for the trip of a lifetime.

A top official from England travelled to Southwest Florida to personally deliver an invitation to the 250 band members for the 2017 New Year’s Day parade.

The high school’s entire music department turned up to welcome the Lord Mayor of Westminster Catherine Longworth, who arrived to invite the students to also perform during a week’s visit to London.

“I feel so honored to go, and excited, like my nerves are off the charts right now,” said student Jalen Luna.

In 2007, the Green Wave marching band made a trip to London, and the music teachers have wanted a return engagement for the young people ever since.

“To the see the eyes, and to see the expression on these kids’ that, they’re having the trip of a lifetime. They can touch history,” said band teacher Mark Dahlberg. “Looking at those kids faces, makes all the stress all the sweat, worth it in the end.”

The trip won’t be cheap, it costs $3,300 per student. So he musicians also are busy, raising money, and putting every penny into their “London trip” piggy bank.

“I’ve actually raised about $500 this far,” said student Megan Miller, “by putting all of my money into that savings fund and not spending it.”

“I am forever daunted by the amount of money that we have to raise. But, we always accomplish it,” said chorus teacher Matt Koller.

The Fort Myers High band members are planning bake sales, car washes, and all sorts of fundraising events over the next year to raise the money.