Most people have an idea where they’ll be for New Year’s Eve this year, but the Bloomingdale High School Rajun’ Bull Band, Chorus and Orchestra already know exactly where they’ll be performing on New Year’s Eve 2010. They received an invitation to play at London’s 2011 New Year’s Day Festival by Lord Mayor Catherine Longworth of Westminster, a prestigious honor only awarded to the top 10 bands in the United States.

Dressed in her full royal regale, Lord Catherine praised Bloomingdale’s band, orchestra and chorus, “The reason they’re coming is because when they perform, they are the best. They have huge talent and commitment.”

Thrilled with the opportunity, the school, students and parents all realize the hard work ahead to raise the $800,000 to get them all there. It will cost each student approximately $2,500 to go to London, and the fundraising efforts are already underway. All throughout the last two months of the year, community restaurants like Chili’s, Panera, Village Inn and Bloomingdale Pizza have hosted spirit nights, allowing patrons to dine and donate a portion of their check to a specific band, chorus or orchestra member.

Cheryl Higgins has twin junior boys in the band and said, “The BSHS Rajun’ Bull Band is very unique, and I am so proud to be a parent chaperone for this dynamic group! After hearing some of the details of the trip and the plans to get there, we are all excited and know that we can do it! We may have to work a lot and sell a lot of different things to accomplish the goal, but knowing this band and the students and parents that are involved, we will make it happen!”

The Rajun’ Bull Marching Band, one of the largest bands in the state of Florida, recently earned its 23rd straight “Superior” rating. According to Lord Catherine, “The students will perform in the heart of London, in Westminster. It will be a great showcase for them.” This event is televised and has an annual TV audience of more than 240 million viewers.

For more information on supporting these students’ fundraising efforts, visit www.bloomingdaleband.org, www.bloomingdaleorchestra.org, and www.bloomingdalechorus.org.