GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) — The Blue and Gold Marching Machine of North Carolina A&T State University is going to perform at the Rose Parade in Pasadena, Califonia on New Year’s Day.
The Rose Parade is one of the more iconic parades in America and is best known for its association with the Rose Bowl college football game.
The Rose Bowl, nicknamed “The Grandaddy of Them All”, is arguably the most prestigious bowl game in college football.
Historic events such as the 2006 BCS National Championship Game between the Texas Longhorns and USC Trojans which is often considered to be the greatest college football game have taken place at the Rose Bowl.
This year’s Rose Bowl will be a part of the College Football Playoff Semifinal, the winner will advance to the National Championship game.
The Blue and Gold Marching Machine is among 20 bands that were selected to be a part of the parade.
Bands from around the globe are among the 20. Costa Rica, Japan and Sweden are among the other nations that will have bands perform.
The selection was due to BGMM’s “musicianship, showmanship and amazing talent,” Aghajanian said.
“This is a tremendous honor and opportunity for the band. Marching in the Tournament of Roses Parade will be great exposure for our students,” said Kenneth Ruff, Ed.D., director of bands. “Our students work very hard all year. They deserve this. I’m excited for them. My hope is that everyone will see that as well and choose to donate.”
46 million people are expected to watch the parade this year. However, this isn’t the first time that the Blue and Gold Marching Machine has performed on the big stage.
The band performed for an NFL stadium at halftime at Ford Field during a Detroit Lions game in 2022.
