Following a week of tours including the Londonderry Granite Ridge Power Plant, a visit with the Mayor of Manchester, introduction in the State House Gallery and a meeting with Governor John Lynch, Mr. Jeff Throop , President of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association attended a VIP reception last night with local leaders, Friends of music officers and even past Drum Majors.
Londonderry Marching Lancers Drum Majors from Past Rose Bowl Parades
The reception gave those involved with support of the Londonderry Marching Lancers a chance to share a slice of history with President Throop. In honoring Mr. Andy Soucey he said, “In 121 years you could count the band directors on one hand that have marched in the Rose Bowl Parade 4 times. This is not an easy task, to apply and be accepted this many times. We only invite the best of the best, our standards are never lowered for any reason.”
As he spoke the clock counted down on the lawn of the Londonderry High School with only 232 days left until 311 members of the Marching Lancers step off on New Years Day 2011 in Pasadena, California.
In an odd bit of fate several local leaders were given letters to read from officials at higher levels for the event. It appeared they were handed out in order of arrival, even so it left many wondering the connection.
State Senator Carson read a proclamation from the Senate President, with quite a bit of photo opportunities following.
Superintendent Nate Greenberg was honored to read a letter from “his friend” Governor John Lynch. The superintended was one of the leaders to successfully secure adequate funding for New Hampshire Schools against the Governors direction to the AG.
Representative Al Baldasaro was “pleased to read” a letter from Representative Carol Shea Porter. On occasion Al will tend to disagree with Representative Shea Porter on a few issues, he tends to hold very conservative republican positions.
Vice Chairman of the School Board John Robinson found himself in the odd position of reading a letter to Mr. Thoorp from Senator Judd Gregg. He could not help but joke how odd this series of presentations were to him as a registered democrat presenting the letter from the republican senator to New Hampshire. His comments and animated jesting were very well received by the crowd.
Principal Jason Parent presented a letter from our freshman Senator Jeanne Shaheen. With no apparent dichotomy his presentation expressed the Senator’s best wishes for Mr. Throop and the Londonderry High School Marching Lancers. What we did not know is that John Robinson, after the letters were handed out and before the presentation, attempted a swap with Mr. Parent!
The event often turned towards our beloved music man Andy Soucy rather than the guest of honor. Even when Mr. Throop spoke he often spoke of the leadership Mr. Soucy brings and the remarkable support system behind him in the form of the Friends of Music organization.
The highlight was a presentation of custom framed covers of the four programs representing the four Rose Bowl Parades that come next January Londonderry will have participated in. A photo of each President that has visited Londonderry and managed the 1992, 1997, 2004 and soon the 2011 Rose Bowl Association.
Custom Framed Rose Bowl Program Covers 1992, 1997, 2004 and 2011 presented to Andy Soucy by President Jeff Throop
Londonderry will represent all of New England and New York in this years Rose Bowl Parade.
A concert will be held tonight at 7pm at the Londonderry High School, come out and hear the presentation by Mr. Throop on his respect for these students and musicians. Take some time out and listen to just how good they are, you will not believe the impact their music can make. On us, on the community and on them!
Raw film is available in our darkroom of the VIP event.
Loading ...
![[popup]](http://www.londonderrynh.net/wp-content/plugins/shout-stream/popup.png "[popup]")
The reading of letters by our local officials brought a smile to everyone’s face. John Robinson’s comic timing was perfect (no wonder he writes a feature column on this site!)
It was perhaps capped by Mr Soucy’s comment afterwards “See, music brings people together!”
Bob,
I was Honored to be asked to read the letter and yes Andy is right that music does bring people together. When it comes to great music, there should not be any politics involved, even though I disagree with Congresswoman Shea-Porters politics.
I want to thank Andy and the Friends of Music for inviting me to the VIP Reception and it was most enjoyable to see all the past Lancers Drum Majors who were present to welcome Mr. Jeff Throop to Londonderry.
Great Job by all the Friends of Music on putting on a great reception and in keeping with in the highest standards in once again showing that Londonderry High School Lancers is second to none.