The Albany State University Marching Band is headed to Pasadena, Calif., to participate in the Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year’s Day. The 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.
The school raised $270,000 for the “Rams in the Roses and Beyond” campaign needed for travel and expenses associated with sending the band to California. However, the campaign raised more than $50,000 extra from supporters. The remaining funds will be used to support need-based scholarships.
“We really can’t thank everyone enough who donated to help us get to Pasadena,” said Band Director Michael Decuir. “All of the alumni, students and supporters in Albany and around the nation, on behalf of the band, I want to let you know that we couldn’t have done this without you. We’re ready to show the world what it means to be a Golden Ram.”
Band members will leave for California Dec. 28 for a weeklong stay that includes band performances, television interviews, community service projects and visits to California tourist attractions such as the Grammy Museum and Museum of Tolerance.
Community members and supporters are giving a send-off before the band departs from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and arrives at Los Angeles International Airport.
“This is an outstanding accomplishment for the university and the hundreds of supporters who donated not only funds but time and effort to help us send this talented group of scholar musicians to Pasadena,” said Chanta Haywood, vice president of Institutional Advancement and executive director of the ASU Foundation.
ASU President Arthur Dunning contributed to the fundraising campaign with his wife Karen Baynes-Dunning. The couple also matched donated gifts in the month of October for up to $25,000.
“These students will have cultural and educational experiences and memories that will last them a lifetime,” said Dunning. “For many of our students, this will be their first time in California, and we want to provide them with enriching experiences that will benefit them, academically and culturally.”
Soon after the band returns from California, ASU will officially launch the second phase of its fundraising campaign, which includes the Tom Joyner Foundation School of the Month. As the School of the Month, the TJF will promote raising funds for the university and highlight its programs for the entire year, although ASU will be featured daily during its designated month of November.