U of A Marching Band Performs in London by Invitation of Ambassador Warren Stephens

Instead of spending the summer rehearsing on campus, members of the U of A Razorback Marching Band performed before an international audience in London celebrating America's 250th anniversary.  

The U of A Band performed over 20 pieces as part of the Grand American Jubilee in London held at Winfield House, the U.S. Ambassador's residence. The program showcased selections of American patriotic music, contemporary compositions and U of A-themed selections in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the U.S. 

The band was invited to perform by U.S. Ambassador Warren Stephens, an Arkansas native, and will help to strengthen cultural and diplomatic ties between Arkansas, the U.S. and the United Kingdom. The U of A was personally invited to represent both the state and the nation during the international celebration, alongside the Steel Drum Band from Episcopal Collegiate School in Little Rock.  

"I couldn't be prouder of what our band accomplished in London," said Brian Raines, dean of the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences. "Our mission is to bring the world to Arkansas and Arkansas to the world, and this exchange of cultures was that mission in action." 

Participation on this trip was extended to members of the Razorback Marching Band who then auditioned beforehand. Fifty students were selected to travel across the Atlantic to represent the U of A. 

One of those students, Jackson Appleget, a rising junior double-majoring in biology and music and one of the band's trumpet section leaders, said the invitation to perform in London was the culmination of years of dedication to music. Appleget recalls arriving at Winfield House and performing for diplomats, business leaders and members of the British royal family was an experience unlike anything he had imagined when he first picked up a trumpet in sixth grade.  

"It was so surreal," Appleget said. "I felt special. We were there, and people were excited to see the band. It was unique to us, and it's probably an opportunity I'll never get to experience again." He said seeing guests film the performance, sing along to songs like "Hey Jude" and enthusiastically respond to the band's music reinforced the universal power of music to connect people across cultures. 

Anna Jayne Boudreaux, a senior majoring in advertising and public relations and a color guard leader with the University Bands, described the London trip as a "whirlwind" and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. In addition to exploring the city with fellow band members, she said performing at the America 250 celebration at Winfield House was especially meaningful because many attendees had never experienced an American collegiate marching band.  

"We were the first thing they saw as they walked into the event," Boudreaux said. "They don't really have marching bands in the U.K., so it was really cool to be that attraction." She said the experience was made even more memorable by representing the university alongside her friends while meeting alumni and guests from around the world. 

Beyond the performances themselves, the experience provided students with lasting memories and a broader perspective on music, culture and global engagement. The band's leaders say opportunities like this reinforce the value of experiential learning, allowing students to grow as musicians while representing the university on a global stage.  

"Experiences like this one are transformative, not just for our students in their musical pursuits, but for who they are as people," said Chase Jones, associate director of bands. "Being tasked with representing our university, state and nation on a global stage is a huge responsibility, and our students rose to that challenge. I am incredibly proud of the work they have done to earn this level of recognition — they deserve it."