Fountain Valley Musician to Perform at Summer Olympic Venues

Kathryn Gasparro of Fountain Valley is among 60 Clemson University musicians who will travel to London to perform at various venues around the city during the Summer Olympic Games

Gasparro, a senior civil engineering major, is a member of the symphonic band. 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.

Through planning, hard work and fundraiser support, the students were able to formally accept the invitation and will board a plane to London in July 2012. 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 also will learn about British culture and history on days set aside for sightseeing and by taking a special course prior to departure taught by Clemson faculty. The group will visit places such as London's West End, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Piccadilly Circus, and will have the opportunity to attend Olympic events.