FT
Francis Taylor
  • Animal and Veterinary Sciences
  • Class of 2015
  • Mount Pleasant, SC

Francis Taylor of Mount Pleasant is Traveling to London With Clemson Bands to Perform During the Olympics

2012 Jul 26

Francis Taylor of Mount Pleasant is one of 60 Clemson University musicians getting ready to go to London July 29 to Aug. 4 to perform at various venues around the city during the Summer Olympic Games

Clemson's Symphonic Band and Jazz Ensemble are going to perform at Olympic venues to showcase their talents and American music to people from all over the world.

Taylor, who is majoring in animal and veterinary sciences, is a member of the symphonic band.

Through planning, hard work and fundraiser support, the students were able to formally accept the invitation. As London plans to celebrate this global event by facilitating entertainment programs at Olympic Live Sites across its 33 boroughs, the tour allows Clemson students to be featured performers on the entertainment program being staged for millions of visitors and locals who will be in London during the games.

"This is a unique opportunity for our band students not only to travel abroad and learn about new cultures, but to bring the Clemson spirit to people from all over the globe," said Mark Spede, Clemson's director of bands.

Not only will the musicians perform, but they will learn about British culture and history ondays set aside for sightseeing; they took a special course prior to departure taught by Clemson faculty. The group will visit such places as London's West End, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and Piccadilly Circus and will have the opportunity to attend Olympic events.

Ranked No. 25 among national U.S. public universities, Clemson University is a major, land-grant, science- and engineering-oriented research university that maintains a strong commitment to teaching and student success. Clemson is an inclusive, student-centered community characterized by high academic standards, a culture of collaboration, school spirit, and a competitive drive to excel.