Albany State University Marching Band Headed To Pasadena Dec. 28

ALBANY, Ga.

Albany State University has exceeded its goal to raise $270,000 for the “Rams in the Roses and Beyond” campaign. The campaign raised $332,775 and thanks to supporters, the Albany State University Marching Band will head to the 2016 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, Calif. The remaining funds will be used to support need-based scholarships.

“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. 

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.

“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.”

Funds raised are being used for travel and expenses associated with sending the band to California.

Band members will leave for the Golden State on Dec. 28 for a weeklong stay that includes band performances, television interviews, community service projects, and visits to top California tourist attractions such as the Grammy Museum and Museum of Tolerance.

“These students will have cultural and educational experiences and memories that will last them a lifetime,” said ASU President Arthur Dunning, who contributed to the fundraising campaign with his wife Karen Baynes-Dunning. The Dunnings’ also matched donated gifts in the month of October, dollar for dollar, for up to $25,000. “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.”