Albany State University Golden Rams Marching Band headed to Pasadena
The Band will march in the Tournament of Roses Parade on Jan. 1
Members of Albany State University’s Marching band boarded buses early Monday morning to begin the first leg of their journey to Pasadena, Calif., perform in The Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year’s Day. (Photo: Pamela Green-Jackson)
By Terry Lewis
ALBANY — “Excited” was the word of the day as 122 members of the Albany State University Marching Band crowded onto two buses early Monday morning to begin their journey to Pasadena, Calif., and the Tournament of Roses Parade on Jan. 1.
The buses carried the band to Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport to catch two flights to Los Angeles International Airport.
“We’re all very excited,” Assistant Band Director David Decuir said. “I am actually looking forward to seeing a game in the Rose Bowl. I’ve seen it on TV but have never been there. I’m also looking forward to the opportunity to expose our band to America on national television.”
Jordan Lee, a trumpet player from Ellenwood, was also eager to get the journey started.
“I’m excited about performing at the Tournament of Roses Parade and getting the chance to visit California again,” Lee said. “The entire ban is excited about representing Georgia and we are also the only HBCU (historically black college or university) in the parade.”
Prior to their departure for the Albany State campus, the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce distributed specially designed “Rams in the Roses” bags to band members. In October the Chamber Foundation presented a check for $25,000 to ASU in support of the “Rams in the Roses and Beyond” campaign.
The $25,000 gift was the largest single donation made by the foundation. With the help of supporters nationwide, the campaign raised $332,775 in just more than six months.
Band members will enjoy a week-long stay in the Golden State that includes band performances, television interviews, community service projects, and visits to top California attractions such as the Grammy Museum and Museum of Tolerance.
The ASU Marching Band is the only Georgia band, the only university band from the southeastern United States, and the only historically black university band in the nation to participate in the event that serves as a prelude to the nation’s oldest bowl game.
The ASU marching band will appear as No. 25 of 93 participants in the New Year’s Day, two-hour live special that will air at 11 a.m. EST).
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