WEST PALM BEACH, Fla — WPTV is giving a voice to dozens of students who received the invitation of a lifetime.
The Palm Beach Lakes Community High School band in West Palm Beach has been invited to perform in London to ring in the New Year. But at a price of about $4,000 per student, the hefty cost to travel overseas is out of tune.
For months, the 180-member band has been thinking about the trip.
"We're trying to get the whole band to go," Justin Young, a senior on the snare drumline, said. "That's why (Director of Bands) Mr. (Joshua) Velez has been so hard about us fundraising."
The band was invited to perform at London's 2026 New Year's Day parade already in November of last year. So far, the group has raised over $600,000, and the fundraising work continues.
"There aren't a lot of bands who really get that opportunity like us, so that'll mean a lot, and it's refreshing that we've gotten recognized in that way," Young said.
Young told WPTV reporter Victor Jorges that their work ethic and dedication set them apart from other bands.
"We work harder, by all means, it's the discipline level that we have," Young said.
Josslyn Velez hopes to impress her peers and loved ones in London, saxophone in hand, ready to give it her all. The students will also be exploring London and learning about its cultural history.
"It'll definitely deepen our understanding of the music," Josslyn Velez said.
The director of bands is betting on people reaching into their pockets, so these young musicians can reach their dreams.
"We're in Palm Beach County, you know, one of the wealthiest counties in Florida, definitely," Joshua Velez said. "There are a lot of wealthy people here. And I can't think of a better cause than to help these kids get to London."
A teacher at heart, Joshua Velez is using this challenge to inspire his students.
"We can get through this," Joshua Velez said. "There's nothing that we can't do, and they will know that."
To donate to the Palm Beach Lakes band's trip to London, a GoFundMe account has been created here.
