Olde Hornet
Well-Known Member
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/storie...LOL-?SITE=ALMON&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT
Alabama A&M band to be out front in Rose Parade
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (AP) -- The Alabama A&M University's Maroon & White Marching Band will be out front in Monday's Rose Parade.
Drum Major Garry Guilford will blow his whistle to strike up the band - and the Pasadena crowd. The band will be the opening sight and sound.
They will lead the 48 floats, 24 other bands and 23 horse-mounted units along the 5.5-mile route of what many believe is the world's most-watched parade.
Assistant Band Director Derrick Yates said Tournament of Roses President Libby Evans Wright, a Birmingham native, visited the Huntsville campus last summer. After watching the band rehearse, they were chosen for the honor.
Wright asked that the entire band work up some kind of short, maybe 30-second flashy movement or dance routine for the cameras and spectators to kick off the music and marching, Yates said.
Yates said spectators can expect a lot of "horn flashing" and "plume action" at the start. Then watch for the band's distinctive pointed-toe and high-knee-lift marching style.
Band Director Arthur Wesley and Drum Major Guilford have been in Pasadena, Calif. since Thursday to make sure there are no problems lurking among the last-minute logistics.
Alabama A&M band to be out front in Rose Parade
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (AP) -- The Alabama A&M University's Maroon & White Marching Band will be out front in Monday's Rose Parade.
Drum Major Garry Guilford will blow his whistle to strike up the band - and the Pasadena crowd. The band will be the opening sight and sound.
They will lead the 48 floats, 24 other bands and 23 horse-mounted units along the 5.5-mile route of what many believe is the world's most-watched parade.
Assistant Band Director Derrick Yates said Tournament of Roses President Libby Evans Wright, a Birmingham native, visited the Huntsville campus last summer. After watching the band rehearse, they were chosen for the honor.
Wright asked that the entire band work up some kind of short, maybe 30-second flashy movement or dance routine for the cameras and spectators to kick off the music and marching, Yates said.
Yates said spectators can expect a lot of "horn flashing" and "plume action" at the start. Then watch for the band's distinctive pointed-toe and high-knee-lift marching style.
Band Director Arthur Wesley and Drum Major Guilford have been in Pasadena, Calif. since Thursday to make sure there are no problems lurking among the last-minute logistics.