The Fighting Indians Band invited to perform in London

VERO BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — Royalty came to the Treasure Coast on Monday, all to honor the Fighting Indians. The Fighting Indians Band at Vero Beach High School has been playing strong for over 80 years.

“We’ve lasted throughout the depression, World War II and we have a long standing and epic tradition,” said Lance Lunceford, a senior and All Star trombonist.

They’ve been in the Rose Bowl Parade, the Macy’s Day Parade and now they’re taking their tunes overseas.

Lord Steve Summers of the City of Westminster invited the Fighting Indians Band to perform in the annual New Year’s Day Parade in London.

“You guys are invited if you're up for it. Let's have one more cheer,” he said. The Performing Arts Center at Vero Beach High School then erupted with cheers.

The students and faculty gladly accepted.

“Looking at our tradition but always pushing forward, always trying to reach the next step,” Lunceford said, adding that this is an incredible opportunity for the legacy of their band.

Marching bands are a staple here in the U.S. because of football, but Lord Summers said their version of football, which is our version of American soccer, doesn’t have marching bands.

“In British schools, they'll have orchestras but they don't have marching bands," Summers said. "When we have sports events, there isn't a marching band. So I think that’s one of the reasons they’ll have such an amazing, warm welcome for the bands because it’s just something they haven’t seen before. They get very excited when the Americans come over."

For the band to show their appreciation, the school’s symphony band played a traditional British March, a symbol that they can’t wait to make that march across the pond.

This will be a pricey trip for these students so if you want to help donate just go to their band page.