Sound of the South marching band bound for London

The Sound of the South (SOTS) marching band has been invited to perform in the 2027 London New Year’s Day Parade as well as in the Festival Concert Series at some of the best venues London has to offer. This invitation is given to only two university bands each year.  

Dr. Mark Walker, director of bands at Troy University, says this is the first time the marching band will travel out of the country.  

University Relations photo

Dr. Walker (right) stands with his invitation plaque for the 2027 London parade.

“Traveling internationally is something that many bands do, and it’s been talked about many times, but the opportunity just never seemed to materialize,” Walker said. 

This trip will be filled with many once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for the band, whether they’re performing or just exploring the city. While in London, the band will tour iconic landmarks like Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and will even get to see the Crown Jewels.  

Students will also have adequate time to enjoy things that interest them. They will constantly be surrounded by local museums, beautiful scenery and rich culture. 

When asked how he felt about the Sound of the South being recognized on an international stage like this, Walker said he doesn’t exactly think it’s hitting people yet.  

“There’s over half a million people in this parade, which is even larger than Macy’s Thanksgiving parade, and people all over the world will be watching it,” Walker said. “We know there’s this trip out there in somewhere called London, but I don’t think we’ll start to realize what's happening until we actually do it.” 

Walker also gave insight into what planning this trip and getting ready for it looks like.  

“Right now, we’re just in the very beginning stages, so we’re trying to create as much awareness and raise as much money as we can,” Walker said. “We’re getting students signed up and all those types of things.”  

He also said next season’s half-time show will have some sort of London theme to it, in hopes of spreading the excitement.  

According to Walker, this trip will have extremely benefits not only for the students, but the community of Troy. An opportunity this big could change how people view the program and the community.  

“It shapes the view of Troy, of our program and the community that surrounds it,” Walker said. “This is an extremely wide-ranging event that could very positively impact us all.”