Poway Musician Will Head to London to Perform During Summer Olympics

London is calling to the faraway towns, and Powegian is answering.

A member of the Symphonic Band and Jazz Ensemble from Clemson University in South Carolina where she attends college, Townsend will be one of 60 musicians to perform at various venues during the city’s Summer Olympic Games.

Townsend, a bioengineering major who plays “all the (saxophones) and the flute,” says this opportunity lends a lot to be excited about.

“Getting to go to an Olympic event is part of it,” she said. “Getting to see London with a really big group is going to be fantastic as well.”

Later she added: “This is probably a once-in-a-lifetime thing. This is kind of my last hurrah of my undergrad.”

Invited by a professional concert tour organization known as Kingsway International, Clemson officials say the trip has required planning, hard work and fundraiser support. Students will be leaving on a jet plane in July.

“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.

And spirit they will bring.

“We have to play three different concerts, but we’re going to be there for eight days,” Townsend, 22, said. “I’m really excited. They’ve scheduled a bunch of tours―Stonehenge, Big Ben, Parliament―all the touristy stuff.”

To help support the Townsend and the other students on their journey, contact Spede at mspede@clemson.edu.