The students were given a police escort to the Velodrome in Tianjin, Beijing, as members of the 2008-strong international Olympic Marching Band.

Tour Manager Heidi Tetizel said an 80-coach convoy pulled up beside the velodrome, and the experience had "elevated the celebrity status" of the college.

The students stayed at the Orchestra Village and were issued with Tutti performance uniforms of a maroon beret and yellow Olympic cape. Performances were given in Tiananmen Square, on The Great Wall of China and at the Velodrome as part of the Olympic festivities.

The students also watched the preliminary soccer China versus Sweden match.