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UMass band to play at Tournament of Roses
By STEPHANIE MURRAY
@StephMurr_Jour
AMHERST — The University of Massachusetts Amherst Minuteman Marching Band has been chosen to perform in the Jan. 1, 2018, Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California.
The selection was announced in a video played at halftime during Saturday’s football game against Wagner College, according to UMass spokesman Daniel Fitzgibbons.
Band members were elated and celebrated as the video played, Fitzgibbons said in the statement.
“This is a fantastic compliment to the band,” UMass Amherst Chancellor Kumble Subbaswamy said in the statement. “It’s a great opportunity for all UMass alumni to make a trip to the Rose Bowl and cheer our band on.”
According to Timothy Todd Anderson, director of the 381member band, a formal application was submitted in June for the 2018 parade. The application included photos, video footage and letters of recommendation.
“We’re just thrilled,” Anderson said in the statement. “This will be the first time the band has played in California.”
According to the statement, bands are selected to play in the Tournament of Roses Parade based on criteria including musicianship, marching ability and entertainment value. Bands are required to raise all necessary funds for travel and accommodations.
The Minuteman Marching Band has performed at three
The University of Massachusetts Minuteman Marching Band will perform at the 2018 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, Calif., above.
A personal shout-out thank you on the Band's Facebook page
A band student will send you a personal email thanking you for your donation
A band student will send you a handwritten thank you note explaining just how much having a new uniform means to them.
You'll receive one of the hats from the old uniforms.
Once the new uniforms are here, receive one of the old uniforms as a cherished memento of your old band days.
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You'll get a uniform, a hat, and a pillow! The best of everything.
Conduct the Minuteman Marching Band at Band Day 2017.