NCCU band selected for 2011 Roses Parade

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

NCCU's Marching Sound Machine

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local/state

DURHAM (WTVD) -- North Carolina Central University announced Monday that its Marching Sound Machine band will participate in the 2011 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, Calif.

The school said the selection was unexpected. The well known New Year's Day parade is considered one of the country's highest marching band honors.

"There is Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, the John Philip Sousa Foundation's Sudler Trophy for most outstanding college or university band, and the Tournament of Roses Parade," said Jorim E. Reid, NCCU band director. "The Rose Parade was in my 15-year plan. I didn't intend to submit an application for another seven years."

Bands are selected for the Roses Parade based on musicianship, marching ability and showmanship.

With more than a year away, the band will add more practices to its schedule while the university gears up to raise the money needed for the group to travel. It will cost approximately $2,000 per student.

After January its 2011 appearance at the Roses Parade, the band has to wait four years to apply again.