Albany State Kickoff Rams in the Roses Campaign for 2016 Pasadena Tournament of Roses

ALBANY, Georgia -- Albany State University is ecstatic about having the only band in the state of Georgia scheduled to march in the 2016 Tournament of Roses Parade on January 1. These exceptional student musicians will place Georgia and the entire Southern Region on an international stage. This is an opportunity of a lifetime.

Albany State is one of 13 national bands selected to participate in the nationally televised parade, which takes place before the Rose Bowl college football playoff game.

It will cost $3,000 per student to cover food, lodging, traveling, and other performance and event expenses for our 120 members to travel to Pasadena, California. Please help to make this dream a reality for these students and future leaders.

Click here to support.

Approximately 1 million spectators line the parade route, while tens of millions watch the television coverage in more than 200 international territories and countries. The Rose Parade is broadcast on ABC, Hallmark Channel, HGTV, KTLA (Tribune), NBC, RFD-TV and Univision.  Participating bands not only march the 5.5-mile parade route, but also have the opportunity to take a band photo in front of the historic Rose Bowl and perform along with other Rose Parade bands in shows at Bandfest.  Known as America's New Year Celebration, the annual Rose Parade features spectacular floral floats that are completely covered with natural materials.


ALWAYS WATCH IN 1080p HD, WIDE SCREEN

The criteria for selection are based on “excellent musicianship, strong performance skills, interesting entertainment value and outstanding directorship,” according to Richard DeJesu, chairman of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses.

“We are extremely pleased and excited,” said ASU interim dean of the College of Arts and Humanities Marcia Hood. “It will showcase the hard work that our students and faculty have put toward this effort as they do all the time. We are also extremely proud of them and excited to showcase our institution”

Michael Decuir, director of ASU’s band, submitted an application for consideration last spring to the Rose Bowl committee. The application included a performance video and recommendation letters from retired band directors at Florida A&M, Jackson State and Tennessee State universities.

“It’s been a lifelong dream of mine to participate in that parade,” Decuir said. “It’s the premiere parade in this country.”

2015/2016 Participating Bands

• Aguilas Doradas Marching Band, Puebla, Mexico
• Albany State University Marching Rams, Albany, Georgia
• Allen Eagle Escadrille, Texas
• Franklin Regional H.S. Panther Band, Murrysville, Pennsylvania
• Jenks H.S. Trojan Pride, Oklahoma
• Latin Band Pedro Molina, Quetzaltenango, Guatemala
• Los Angeles Unified School District Honor Band, California
• Mason H.S. Marching Band, Ohio
• Mira Mesa H.S. Sapphire Sound, San Diego, California
• Pasadena City College Tournament of Roses Honor Band & Herald Trumpets, California
• Plymouth-Canton Educational Park, Canton, Michigan
• Punahou Marching Band, Honolulu, Hawaii
• Saratoga H.S. Marching Band, California
• The Salvation Army Tournament of Roses Band
• Toho H.S. Green Band, Japan
• United States Marine Corps West Coast Composite Band
• Virginia Military Institute Regimental Band, Lexington, Virginia
• Wyoming All-State Marching Band
• Plus ... the two Rose Bowl Game University Marching Bands to be determined

DONATE TO OUR  RAMS IN THE ROSES CAMPAIGN


ALWAYS WATCH IN 1080p HD, WIDE SCREEN