Bowling Green State University’s Falcon Marching Band has been formally invited to perform in the Tournament of Roses Parade on Jan. 1, making it the largest band to walk in the Rose Parade.
BG Falcon Media reported that Pasadena Tournament of Roses president Terry Madigan visited the BGSU campus to extend the invitation in person. Madigan cited the band’s culture as a key factor in the selection, describing musicality, technical expertise and esprit de corps as the three criteria used when choosing participating bands.
Most of the FMB’s 600 members will travel to Pasadena, where they will perform before an estimated 700,000 spectators along the parade route and 50 million people in 60 countries, according to the report. Waters, who has performed in the Rose Parade with other groups, said the experience will be meaningful for students representing the university on an international stage.
BGSU has contributed funding toward the trip, but students still bear partial financial responsibility, Waters said. The program is accepting donations to help cover remaining costs for participating members. Madigan encouraged supporters to watch the broadcast and encourage participating students, emphasizing the dedication required to prepare for the performance.
For more information, visit bgfalconmedia.com.