Much Loved Romford Drum And Trumpet Corps Chosen To Play At The 250 Anniversary Of American Independence-Please Help Them Raise Much Needed Funds.

Romford Drum and Trumpet Corps are a much loved and well respected band across Havering. The band are present at the majority of the large scale events taking place across the borough.Now-they have been given the opportunity of a lifetime! The chance to perform at the 250th anniversary of American Independence in Philadelphia in July next year!

RDTC has been chosen to represent England—the only UK band invited—and will be competing in the World Association of Marching Show Bands (WAMSB) concert and field display competitions. They will also be taking part in America’s 250th Independence Parade in Philadelphia, as well as parading in the Grand Glorious Patriotic 4th July Parade—America’s longest-running 4th of July parade.

This is a huge opportunity for both the Band and the wider Romford community, as it places our town on an international stage, watched by millions.

The band are delighted to have the backing of the Member of Parliament for Romford- Andrew Rosindell, who recognises what a tremendous platform this is for Romford.

However, the cost of making this trip a reality is steep, estimated at around £97,000. As RDTC charges no fees for membership or attendance and receives no public funding, the band members have committed to raising at least £40,000 through fundraising events. Each young band member is still expected to contribute around £900 towards the trip, with the remainder coming from the RDTC’s own funds. Many of their members come from lower-income households, and with the current financial climate, the band are finding it increasingly difficult to rely solely on contributions from within the band community.

A special event is being held-Fun Day and Proms Concert on July 12, Taunton Road, Harold Hill, free entry for the fun day and £5 for the proms. It is a fun packed day with endless activities being held held with the aim to raise as much money as possible for the band to help them perform in America.

There is also a go fund me set up to help them achieve their goal. please see the link below:

https://gofund.me/e1f8c018

A little about the Romford Drum and Trumpet Corps:

• The band was established in 1957 and membership is open to all from the age
  of8
• It is funded by charitable donations, fund-raising and paid performances
• Band members are provided with musical instruments, music lessons and band
  uniforms at no extra cost to them
• The band meets twice a week to play together and learn marching skills which
  in turn helps them develop their confidence and co-operation with others
• All staff running the band volunteer their time
  The band has a rich performance history and continues to attract prestigious bookings, as well as numerous local and UK-wide bookings, recent highlights include:
• The Lord Mayor’s Show, where we are regular participants
• HRH The Princess of Wales Christmas Carol concert at Westminster Abbey
• London New Year’s Day parade
• London Band Week, an invitation event alongside bands from the USA, which
  included performances at Excel Centre and Hampton Court Palace. .
  We have now been offered another exciting opportunity – to take part in the USA’s 250th anniversary celebrations in Philadelphia in July 2026. We are the only UK band to be given this honour, and will participate in events over five days, including The Grand Glorious Patriotic Parade, which is Americas longest running 4th July parade.
  Obviously, this trip will incur a huge expense, not just for the trip itself, but for new instruments and uniforms to present the band at it’s very best. We feel passionately that this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for these children that shouldn’t be missed, so are reaching out to seek support in the form of:
  
• President: Major James Marshall Band Director: Samantha Barrand Treasurer: Karen Edwards Secretary: Kerrie Kavanagh Romford Drum & Trumpet Corps Founded 1957 Registered Charity No: 1177736
  90 Taunton Road, Romford, RM3 7SU Web: http://www.rdtc.org
• Donations of equipment and instruments
• Band sponsorship/Sponsorship of band events
• Financial Donations
• Donations for Raffle prizes
• Promotion of the band’s cause
  If you feel you can offer help in any of these areas, we would be delighted to hear from you on the contact details below to discuss the opportunity.
  Yours sincerely,
  Miss S Barrand – MMus, BAMus (Hons), PGCE, NPQLTD, AVCM (Hons)

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