Back Home!

We've all made it either back to Omaha or to Kansas City after a very long day. Breakfast was at 5:15 a.m. so we could load the equipment and catch the buses to the airport at 6:00 a.m.
We're glad you enjoyed the blog over the last few days and be sure to come back to check out any new video and pictures added. We'll keep it current for a month or more.

Experience the Tube - Mind the Gap!

You'll see some East students and parents boarding the Tube.

Friday's Outing

Our last full day in London was spent near Embankment. Several toured Westminster Abbey or rode on the Eye, then off to either the Strand Covent Gardens. The afternoon was spent touring the Tower of London and seeing the Crown Jewels.

We used our Tube card for the last time today on our return from the Tower of London.

Tonight we'll eat at the Prince of Wales Pub, then see the hit musical BUDDY.

We'll try to post one last time later tonight, then we start our return over the pond and home.

An East group getting ready to tour the Tower of London.

Two East students in line to see the Crown Jewels.

A street performer at Covent Gardens.

Getting on the Eye.

A group of East students and parents on the Eye.

Parliment and the St. Steven's Tower where Big Ben tolls.


How we all felt after today's experience...tired.

Pre-Parade warmup

If you notice near the end of the video, the banner carriers of another band were jamming to our drum cadence! What you can't see are the numerous Londoners at the front of the band getting into the cadence, too.

Parade Photos

There are some more photos of the parade posted on the photo album on this page. I haven't had a chance to update the eastmarchingband.info page.

The Journal Star will try to do a story on the band trip. I sent them a few pictures and comments from Mr. Nielsen and a few of the students. It was so busy yesterday with the parade and getting the uniforms packed along with the instruments that we didn't have much time to focus on sending photos and stories.

We meet at 8:30 this morning to discuss our plan for today. I believe we're going out in our small groups on the Tube, which is always fun.

After the Parade

Marching past Trafalgar Square.

The students had supper on their own tonight and came back to the hotel to see an one-man performance by Geoff Towers, a Shakespearian actor from the Globe Theatre. They had a great time although they were tired and ready for bed.
Room checks have been done and all are accounted for.
Tomorrow we're off to ride the Eye and see the Tower of London, then off to Prince of Wales pub for dinner, then a performance of Buddy at the Dutchess Theatre. Another fun packed day.
Check for some updated pictures in the photo album to the right.

WOW!

The kids did an absolutely wonderful job and it has already been a long day for them! They are all back in the Hotel and some are in their rooms sleeping.

I'll post some pictures right after we get the uniforms packed and the instruments put in their cases.

Thanks for all your support back home and for getting up early to watch the parade. The Londoner's really enjoyed the kids and their music, plus many positive comments about their nice uniforms.

# 49 in the Parade

We're number 49 in line today so we're about half way through the parade.
Everyone is enjoying breakfast and getting focused on what they're about to do.

Happy New Year from London!

The party is over and the kids have had their room check. We've heard nothing but good things about the party except one; it was too hot in the room with so many students.

Parents tried to take as many pictures as we could of the kids and the party and we've posted several on the photo blog to the right. If you student isn't in any picture, it's probably because we missed them going in to the party room.

Many of us will be getting up at the exact moment you're celebrating the new year in Lincoln. It's a big day and we have to get all the uniforms and equipment ready for the parade. So think of us when you're bringing in the new year.

Happy 2009 and be sure to watch us on TV.

New Year's Eve Dinner

Click on the photo link just to the right and you'll see some new photos added from tonight's dinner.

Wednesday

An early morning on one of the buses to Stonehenge.

A group of students while visiting Oxford. The lady on the left is bus two's tour guide, Cathy.


We arrived back at our hotel just a few minutes ago after a long day away.

This morning was an early breakfast at 6:30 then an hour and a half drive to Stonehenge. We spent about an hour there, then another hour and a half drive to Oxford. We toured several colleges and Harry Potter fans were delighted with a tour of Christchurch's great hall. Narnia fans were also delighted with glimpes of the lampost, lion and the inspiration for Thomas.
We toured Oxford on our own until 4:00 p.m., then headed back to our hotel to get ready for a 7:00 dinner, then the New Year's Eve party beginning at 8:30 p.m.
Tomorrow's the big day and the real reason we're hear. We hope everyone gets a chance to watch the broadcast at 6:00 a.m. your time on channel 21.

Mr. Nielsen gave a radio interview with KFOR 1240 at 7:45 a.m. Lincoln time. He was swamped with duties on Monday and had technical issues with the cell phone Tuesday. I believe there will be another interview at 7:45 a.m. your time on Friday, so be sure to listen.

We saw a lot of shopping bags on the bus today, so we're definitely helping the English economy.

I have some new photos to post yet tonight from different groups to try to get more kids on the photo page.

Happy New Year everyone!

Another Practice Video

A longer practice video from Tuesday night. Hope you enjoy!

Practice Tuesday Evening

Here's a short video of practice this evening.

Tuesday Evening Cont'd

Good Evening Parents! We've had another great day discovering London. After breakfast, we traveled in our small groups by "Tube" and popped up from the Underground right next to Westminster Abbey. Students chose either to walk around the Abbey or Parliament while we listened to Big Ben chime the hour. Next we walked through picturesque St.James Park to watch the changing of the Guard. Students loved watching the Queen's band parade in front of Windsor Castle. Afterwards, small groups split up and traveled to Trafalgar Square for a bit of lunch - Fish and Chips or Bangers and Mash then enjoyed a myriad of activities ranging from visiting museums, Covent Garden, shopping or heading back to the hotel to rest and warm up. We can tell the students are more rested today - energy levels are up and everyone is feeling comfortable in their London surroundings - navigating the Tube like Pros!

After dinner in restaurants surrounding the hotel - anything from typical London fare to more exotic cuisine - they met for last minute updates on the parade and now are practicing music and parade formation in a ballroom in preparation for the big day!

Tomorrow, we meet for a 6:30 am breakfast before boarding our Coaches for our daytrip to Stonehenge and Oxford!

Locals are interested and happy to stop and chat and learn that our band will be marching in the New Year's Day parade. You can all be proud of the way the kids are representing our school, state and country!

Stayed tuned tomorrow - we'll let you know what it's like to visit Stonehenge on New Year's Eve or if we run into any Wizards at Oxford. Cheerio for now!

Tuesday Evening

Everyone is back at the hotel or is out eating nearby. They have a band practice at 7:45 tonight and then it's off to bed so they can get up early tomorrow for our trip to Stonehenge and Oxford.
Another busy day with LOTS of walking. We traveled in our small groups to various locations in the city. Many watched the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, walked down to Trafalgar Square, then either to a museum or to Covent Gardens.

(Note: this issue has been fixed and the pictures are now posted in both locations)There's been a small change in the photo location due to Internet issues over here. I've included it just to the right on this page.
I've posted several pictures tonight of groups and although I've tried to get everyone I can in at least one photo, some just don't like to have their picture taken. However, there's still 3 more full days to try.
We'll try to make one more post tonight before we head to bed.
Jeff

Tuesday Morning Update-Cont'd

Some photos from breakfast this morning.

Tuesday Morning

Good morning everyone! We're happy to see you are checking the blog! More pictures were posted last night and I will gather some photos from students today and post them tonight.

Photos
Last night's Jack the Ripper tour was a walking tour of downtown London. It was exciting to walk the backstreets at night as we were told in detail about his reign of terror. Seeing the actual sites added to the excitement.

The tour of Windsor Castle was equally exciting. We toured the State Apartments and saw loads of artwork and lots of bling! They sure live in style. I think all the kids enjoyed this tour.

Today will prove to be as interesting or better than yesterday. We break up into small groups and will see the changing of the guard and several museums.

If you were expecting to hear from your student and haven't, don't worry, they're fine. We've been extremely busy and some may not have had a chance to call or find an international calling card. If you must reach your student, you can call the hotel and then ask for their room. Please don't call the emergency number unless there's an emergency. However, rest assured they are all doing well!
Be sure to check back later this evening.

Monday Evening

Another busy day! Breakfast at 7:30 then on the buses for a driving tour of London until lunch. We saw Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Tower Bridge, the Thames River, to name a few. Windsor Castle kept us busy until 4:00 p.m. (the Queen was not in), then a very quick supper and back on the "tube" for a walking tour of Jack the Ripper. We got back to our rooms around 10:45 p.m. and bed check has been done. All are accounted for again.
By Tuesday night you should start seeing more photos on the photos page. It's been hectic and extremely busy as you might guess.
Another 7:30 breakfast on Tuesday, then on to more fun.

Photo 1: Jack the Ripper Tour





Photo 3: Tower Bridge


Photo 4: Another trip on the Tube using the Oyster Card.

Monday, December 29th

The weather forecast is for sunny skies, but cold today. It will be great to see the sun.
Everyone's been given a wakeup call and should be moving towards our buffet breakfast soon.
Check back later this evening for today's pictures and an update on our day.

Our First Day in London-Full of Fun!!

Hello all! We survived our first day in London and all the kids have had a room check and are in for the night. Some actually went to bed three hours early tonight!
Those of us silly enough to stay up took the Tube to Picadilly Circus to see it at night. Lots of Christmas lights and people everywhere! This is one street the kids will march down on New Year's Day.

We are having issues with Internet/E-mail access as well as International phone cards. Internet access is not cheap and there are no free wifi spots anywhere to be found. The hotel charges L17.50 for 24 hour access. Some of the student's phone cards are not working as advertised. So if you were expecting your kids to E-mail or call, don't be surprised if you haven't heard from them. However, they are all fine and probably asleep by now.
Tomorrow is our bus tour of London, then Windsor Castle. Some of us will be doing the Jack the Ripper tour in the evening.


Today was a lot of hurry up and wait. Waiting for all the flights to arrive; waiting to get our rooms; waiting for the elevators, etc. We are anxious to start our busy schedule.

Cheerio for now and check back tomorrow evening for more updates. And don't forget to look at the pictures posted on the photo page. Photos do not upload very quickly, so we've posted just five tonight. We'll try to do better tomorrow!

Greetings from Jolly old England

After several flight delays due to weather, we're all here safe and sound, but tired, at our hotel. We have a meeting at 2:00 p.m. so several kids are exploring the surrounding area in groups of three or more until then. This afternoon we take a walking tour of Hyde Park and then shop at Oxford Street.
Several kids were seen in swimsuits and headed to the pool. Starbucks is just around the corner so a few were headed that way.
We'll try to post more news tonight with some great pictures.

Less than 12 hours to go!

Students and parents stand in line to get their suitcases tagged, checked for all the necessary items, and then placed in rooms by flights.
Our next post will hopefully be from London!

KOLN KGIN Story

Lincoln Band to Perform in London Parade
Lincoln, Neb.
Posted: 9:42 AM Dec 25, 2008
Last Updated: 9:42 AM Dec 25, 2008
Reporter: Associated Press
Email Address: desk@kolnkgin.com
Lincoln East High School's marching band has been invited to perform in the New Year's Day parade in London, England.
Band director Lance Nielsen says 140 students will march in the parade. Another 40 people will accompany them on the trip.
The 23rd annual parade through London begins at 6 AM CST January 1. The route begins at Parliament Square, home of Big Ben, and travels through Piccadilly Circus to Berkeley Street.
The parade will be broadcast live on Lincoln's public-access channel.
The band will leave Sunday and return home on January 3. While there, students will be able to tour the Royal Castle in Windsor and Stonehenge.

Lincoln Journal Star Story

Lincoln East’s band trip to London to air on local cable
By the Lincoln Journal Star
Wednesday, Dec 24, 2008 - 04:38:42 pm CST
When the Lincoln East High School marching band is parading through the streets of London on Jan. 1, family and friends back home will be able to watch it live on 21 Educational Access (Time Warner Cable channel 21 in Lincoln).

The 23rd annual New Year’s Day Parade will be sent via satellite beginning at 6 a.m. The parade will be re-aired on Channel 21 numerous times in January.

East’s band directors are Lance D. Nielsen and Tom Thorpe.
Nielsen said 140 students will march in the parade, and 40 others will accompany the band on the weeklong trip.

“Marching in the New Year’s Day Parade is a great honor for our students,” Nielsen said. “We are excited to be representing not only Lincoln East High School, but being ambassadors of Nebraska in this prestigious event.”

The parade features more than 10,000 performers from around the world. The route includes such landmarks as the Parliament building, Westminster Abbey, 10 Downing Street and the National Gallery.

* Beginning Friday, KFOR 1240 AM will provide daily trip updates at about 7:45 a.m.

* Lincoln residents can follow the students’ experiences on the Lincoln East Band trip blog at http://eastmarchingband.blogspot.com/.

* For a Channel 21 program guide, visit the city Web site: lincoln.ne.gov and click 5 CITY-TV.

Watch us on Television / Listen on the Radio

From Mr. Nielsen's London webpage:
NEW YEAR'S DAY PARADE WILL BE BROADCAST LIVE

January 1 6:00 a.m. Channel 21 on Time Warner

Listen to KFOR (1240 AM) 7:45 a.m. Dec. 26th through Jan. 2 for updates about the trip
From KFOR Radio:
EAST HIGH BAND PERFORMANCE ON TV
(Posted 12/23/2008. Written by City Staff. )
When the Lincoln East High School marching band is parading through the streets of London, England New Year’s Day, you will be able to watch it live. Bill Luxford, who is with the city's 21 Educational Access channel, says the 23rd annual parade will be sent via satellite beginning at 6 a.m. He said Nebraska Educational Telecommunications is helping with the satellite feed.
Thanks Mr. Nielsen for setting this up and to the Band Boosters for their monetary contribution to help make this happen.

London Eye/Hard Rock Cafe

LONDON EYE
Since opening in March 2000 The London Eye has become an iconic landmark and a symbol of modern Britain. The London Eye is the UK’s most popular paid for visitor attraction, visited by over 3.5 million people a year.

If you want to 'fly' on the Eye, you'll need to purchase a 'flight'. It will be open from 10:00 until 20:00 (remember, London time is on the 24 hour clock).
Prices for a Standard Flight are:

Adult (16 plus) £15.17
Child (5-15 years) £7.59

HARD ROCK CAFE
Standing on Old Park Lane since June 14th 1971, this is the one that started it all. The brainchild of Isaac Tigrett and Peter Morton, the cafe attracted customers from day one with first-rate but moderately priced casual American fare (available no-where else in London or the UK at the time), warm service and ubiquitous Rock 'n' Roll music and sensibility - Hard Rock Cafe London became an instant classic.

My "Unoffical Guide to London" book says you can use US Dollars in this cafe.

NELSON'S COLUMN (That's Lord Nelson, not Lord Nielsen)

On Tuesday, December 30th, we'll be traveling to Trafalgar Square, the junction of some of the busiest streets in London. Nelson's Column is the center point of the intersection. The column was built between 1840 and 1843 to commemorate Admiral Horatio Nelson's death at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.

The 18 ft statue of Nelson stands on top of a 151 ft granite column. The statue faces the Admiralty, with the Mall on his right flank, where Nelson's ships are represented on the top of each flagpole.

The top of the Corinthian column is decorated with bronze acanthus leaves cast from British cannon.

The monument was designed by architect William Railton in 1838. The sandstone statue at the top was sculpted by E.H. Baily, a member of the Royal Academy. The entire monument was built at a cost of roughly $6.1 million US dollars.


The four lions, by Sir Edwin Landseer, at the column's base were added in 1867.

Nelson's Column faces South and on the north side of the square is the National Gallery.

On the lawn in front of the National Gallery are two statues, James II to the west of the entrance portico and George Washington to the east. The latter statue, a gift from the state of Virginia, stands on soil imported from the United States. This was done in order to honour Washington's declaration he would never again set foot on British soil.

Oxford Street Website/London Weather/Breakfast

OXFORD STREET WEBSITE
Oxford Street is on our agenda the afternoon of our arrival. Learn more about this area of London by visiting the Oxford Street website: http://www.oxfordstreet.co.uk/

LONDON WEATHER
The Weather Channel hosts a monthly forecast website for London. Our trip forecast calls for temps between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius (that's 35-46 degrees for us fahrenheit types) See current December trends by visiting Weather UK at: http://uk.weather.com/weather/monthly-London-UKXX0085

CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST
Continental breakfast is served each morning at our hotel, but what's a typical English breakfast? Traditionally, people in Britain have enjoyed a substantial hot meal for breakfast, featuring eggs, bacon, and sausages, accompanied by toast and tea or coffee. These items are sometimes eaten separately on morning rolls. Many other items (for example kedgeree*, grilled or fried tomatoes, black pudding or white pudding, baked beans, fried sliced bread, various types of fried potatoes and mushrooms) may be included depending on taste and location. Today, this dish remains popular but is not usually served at breakfast time during the week. Many people instead reserve the full cooked breakfast for weekends, or go to a cafe for it at the weekend. A full breakfast is also a meal available any time at many cafes and greasy spoons. It is also served at hotels where it can be quite substantial in size and variety. The author Somerset Maugham once quipped that "the only way to eat well in England is to have breakfast three times a day."

This traditional cooked breakfast has largely been replaced by simple, light foods mainly eaten cold: fruit, yogurt, packaged cereal with cold milk, and toast with a variety of spreads such as butter, jam, marmalade, lemon curd, Marmite, or peanut butter. Boiled eggs with soldiers are also a popular breakfast meal in the UK although like the full English breakfast they are mainly eaten at the weekend. Porridge is a traditional breakfast in Scotland as well as the rest of Britain in the winter months. In most British hotels this breakfast is included in the room rate.

*Kedgeree (or occasionally kitcherie, kitchari or kitchiri) is a dish consisting of flaked fish (usually smoked haddock), boiled rice, eggs and butter.

Viewing the Parade

The Parade begins at Parliament Square as Big Ben strikes 12pm, it then travels up Parliament Street and through Trafalgar Square, via Piccadilly Circus to finish at Berkeley Street at approximately 3pm.

The parade starts at Noon London time, which is 6:00 a.m. Lincoln time. So prepare to get up early to watch. Once we know our position in the parade, we’ll post it here in case you want to sleep in a little more!

Live Cam View of London

We will be visiting Oxford Street during our trip

You might not see your student in the webcam, but you'll get an idea of the day-to-day London traffic and weather conditions by viewing this webcam.