A representative of Queen Elizabeth II will visit Mill Creek High School on Thursday, Sept. 27 to deliver an invitation for the "Pride of Mill Creek" marching band to participate in London's New Year's Day parade on Jan. 1, 2014.

The band members will be among the 10,000 performers from around the world invited to entertain a street audience of approximately 500,000 spectators along the 2.2-mile parade route.

The presentation by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Greater London will begin at 10 a.m.

“It is no secret as to why the Mill Creek High band students have earned this honor,” said Robert Andrews, GCPS’ director of fine arts, in a released statement. “The invitation was extended because these students are talented musicians who strive to meet the expectations and exceed the high standards set forth by Erik Mason, the school’s band director.”

Mason has led the Mill Creek High School band since 2006. The invitation to the London New Year's Day parade will be the second received by the band -- the band also marched in the 2010 London New Year's Day parade.

The band has also been invited to participate in two holiday events in Italy. The Queen's representative, on behalf of The National Order of Italy, will deliver written invitations from the mayors of Rome and Frascati to participate in holiday events scheduled for Dec. 29 and Dec. 30.