Scots College band to perform Stars & Stripes aboard US ship

Friday 27 May, 2011

On Monday evening, 20 members of the Scots College brass band will perform
aboard the California Maritime Academy’s ship T.S. Golden Bear, as part of
U.S. Memorial Day celebrations while docked in Wellington harbor.

”This is a fantastic opportunity for the boys,” said Scots College Director of Music Andrew Stopps. “Most of them have never been on a ship this size before, and the pressure of performing the US national anthem and other much-loved songs for the U.S. Ambassador and his guests, has certainly been a huge incentive for them to practice hard for this performance.”

”We’ll be playing the Star Spangled Banner, Battle Hymn of the Republic, My Country Tis of Thee, The Stars and Stripes Forever, Yankee Doodle, You’re a Grand Old Flag, and America the Beautiful” said Stopps.

”We’re thrilled Scots College students will be a part of the celebrations,” said U.S. Ambassador David Huebner. “There are 250 Maritime Academy tertiary students from California aboard the ship, and one of the best parts of my job is helping make connections between young people in the U.S. and New Zealand,” he said.

”A lot of life’s most important learning happens outside the classroom,” reflected Headmaster of Scots College, Graeme Yule. “This really is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our boys to perform at such a high calibre event. I’m sure it will be a hugely valuable learning experience, and no doubt a lot of fun as well,” he said.

The ship will dock at the Overseas Terminal when it arrives on the morning of Sunday 29 May. Celebrations aboard ship will be hosted by the Ambassador and attended by Members of Parliament, dignitaries, special guests of the U.S. Embassy and the visiting Maritime Academy students.

ENDS

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