January 20, 2010 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • Page 5 Ramsey France and England welcome high school musicians Left: Ramsey High School Band in London. Right: Ramsey High School Band Jazz Ensemble at One Whitehall Place in London. The Ramsey High School Big Blue Marching Band and Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Clifford Bialkin, participated in The Paris, France Parade Festival and The New Year’s Day Parade and Festival - London over the holiday break. An eight-day whirlwind tour of Paris and London kept the 79 students, siblings, chaperones, and 40 parents extremely busy as they negotiated planes, buses, boats, and busy metropolitan areas. Though the Eiffel Tower and Windsor Castle were all they promised to be, the highlights of the trip were the performances by the bands. Big Blue marched through the charming avenues of Chantilly, France and the historic streets of London, England, from Trafalgar Square to Parliament. An estimated five million spectators turned out, and additional viewers enjoyed the television broadcast. The Jazz Ensemble performed for other participating marching bands at the Novotel Paris East in France and again in London for the prestigious Mayors of London VIP Tea at One Whitehall Place in England. Ramsey’s ensemble members were the only musicians to perform at the twohour showcase for the mayors. “It’s a tremendous honor,” Bialkin said of Ramsey’s invitation to appear in England and France. “For a lot of people, it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. I’m proud of the kids; their performance was excellent.” Bialkin thanked the members of the public for their support of the fundraisers that helped make the trip possible, noting that the Ramsey ShopRite’s aid with the hoagie sale was particularly helpful. Ramsey previously appeared in England by invitation in 2007. At that time, the local group was nominated for the honor and sent a video of its performances before being (continued on page 17) Serving Cocktails, & Espresso o cin Cappuc State Line Diner - Restaurant 375 State Highway 17 North, Mahwah Open 24 Hours, 7 Days Join Us For Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner The Best Got Better! 201-529-3353 Join Us Fo Breakfast, r Lunch & Dinner Please Join Us In Celebrating Our 34th Anniversary with any Dinner Purchase, 5pm - 9pm, January 12 - January 31 FREE Balloons & Lollipops for children Complimentary Gift for Adults Free Cheesecake & Free Soup