TROY, Ala. (TROJANVISION) — Troy’s Sound of the South (SOTS) is heading to the London New Year’s day parade at the start of the new year.

With each band member paying their way, many have turned to fundraising to cover costs.

“I know not everybody is financially good like that I know it was a struggle for me, it was a struggle for everybody were all fundraising, were all doing this together,” said Color Guard member Sydnee Pennington.

Pennington not only went to her family, but has also turned to fundraising and extra jobs to pay for the experience.

“I’m paying for London with the help of my mom and my grandmother, but I also did a calendar fundraiser,” Pennington said. “Each day was money amount that someone could donate to me.

“I also worked some odd jobs over the summer specifically, all of that money went to London.”

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Pennington said she was not the only one fundraising for the trip.

“I know the band did some fundraisers, and some spirit nights to support the whole band.”

Trumpet player Levi Sherell said he has seen fellow SOTS members struggle to find ways to earn extra money.

“I know its really tough out here for a lot of the band members. Some don’t have super strong connections with their families or their parents aren’t able to afford. A lot of people are having to work and even get extra jobs. Its a super rough time out here to be able to make that,” said Sherrell.

Despite the difficulty in raising money, Sherrell is excited for the trip and says it will be worth it.

“I do think it will be worth it since its a seven day trip. I think being able to go on trips, see the world and be able to get a new perspective of new culture will be exciting. I think its going be a super awesome time and we will be able to just have a lot of fun.”

The Sound of the South is also accepting and encouraging donations. For more information, click here.