Spartan Band Headed To 2023 Roses Parade

NORFOLK
Norfolk State University recently announced its Spartan Legion Marching Band will participate in the 2023 Tournament of Roses Parade.

The university welcomed Amy Wainscott, President of the Tournament of Roses, to the NSU campus on March 24 where she presented President Javaune Adams-Gaston and William Beathea, Director of Bands, with the official tournament flag. Her visit signaled the official kick off of the band’s participation in the 2023 Tournament of Roses Parade.

Later in the day, the university hosted Wainscott and members of the Hampton Roads community at a reception at the Chrysler Museum where officials spoke about the significance of the band’s participation.

In a statement, the university said, ”This is a big deal for Norfolk State, the Hampton Roads region, and the Commonwealth of Virginia. For NSU, it means the institution and the famous Legion will have a rare and valuable opportunity to showcase the 86-year-old HBCU, its gifted students, proficient faculty and staff, and other amenities. Their performance will highlight the historical journey of NSU, the growth and sophistication of Hampton Roads, and the beauty of the Commonwealth.”

The 2023 parade will be held on Monday Jan. 2, continuing the “Never on Sunday” tradition begun in 1893, the first year the Rose Parade fell on a Sunday.