West Chester University’s Band Will Perform In Rose Bowl Parade

WEST CHESTER, PA — The West Chester University Incomparable Golden Rams Marching Band will march in the 135th Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena, Calif., on Jan. 1, 2024.

Tournament of Roses Association, the nonprofit organization that sponsors the parade, selects a small number of bands from a large pool of international applicants to perform in the Rose Parade before the football game.

An annual tradition for more than 130 years, the Rose Parade has a television viewership of over 25 million people and a live attendance of about 700,000.

Chris Fiorentino, college president, said the 350 students in the band juggle the academic rigor of the University with a demanding practice schedule.

“These outstanding students deserve this coveted opportunity, and we are thrilled that they will bring worldwide recognition to West Chester University, the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” Fiorentino said.

An annual tradition for more than 130 years, the Rose Parade has a television viewership of over 25 million people and a live attendance of about 700,000.

Director of Athletic Bands Adam Gumble said the selection process is highly competitive which means that only the world’s best marching bands are invited to perform.

“This recognition from the Tournament of Roses Association is yet another reminder that West Chester University’s marching band is truly incomparable,” Gumble said. "We want to thank our students, alumni, faculty, staff and fans for their unyielding support of our program.”

Fundraising for the Rose Bowl trip

West Chester University launched the “RamBand Road to the Roses ‘24” initiative, which aims to raise $1 Million to fund the trip.

So far, $211,610 has been raised, which amounts to 21 percent of the goal.

The fundraiser is anchored by a $100,000 matching gift challenge from Dr. James Wells ’54 and Mr. Richard G. Wells ’58, who are both alumni and the namesakes for West Chester’s School of Music.

The initiative asked donors to make a gift to be matched by March 10, 2023, which is West Chester University’s Charter Day of Giving. Gifts can be made here.