WFISD bands to represent community in 2026 London parade, seeking sponsors
WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) — It's the kind of opportunity most high school band students only dream about, marching in London's iconic New Year's Day parade.
But it'll take more than talent to get there.
Almost 300 band students from Legacy and Memorial high schools have the chance to represent Wichita Falls in the 2026 London New Year's Day parade, and now, school leaders are turning to the community to help make the journey a reality.
They're calling it a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, because that's precisely what it is. These students will represent not only WFISD but also Wichita Falls on an international stage.
It's a chance to showcase their talent and all the work they've put in. Both schools will march as one band, showcasing unity as they play before a live audience of over half a million people and a TV audience of 300 million.
However, the journey to London comes with a steep price tag. With airfare, lodging, meals, and other expenses, the total price is close to $1 million.
So, organizers are reaching out to the community for support, either in the form of sponsors or donations, to make these students' dreams come true. The great thing is, every donation is 100% tax-deductible.
'Our band booster organizations for both schools are a 501 (c) (3). So, every donation is tax-deductible. It's tax-deductible for our businesses in our community, and a 100% write-off for all of them. So, if you go to our link, you can find all that information on there and you can have an automatic receipt for your tax records', said legacy high school band director, Loy Studer.
For anyone who gives, you're not just helping a kid get to London, you're changing lives.
Donation Link: WFISD Bands Donations
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