Hey — I’m an ex-Tweet. Great exposure (why didn’t we do this stuff?) For Bill Scherer — Since you are in the neighborhood, I think we need some good pictures of this.
From the VMI News Center:
LEXINGTON, Va., July 17, 2007 – The VMI Regimental Band and Pipe Band has been invited to perform in the 119th Tournament of Roses Parade to be held in Pasadena, Calif., on New Year’s Day 2008.
The VMI Band is one of only five college bands chosen to participate, and this is the first Virginia college band to have ever been invited to this prestigious event. The Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association praised the VMI Band as a “unique musical organization combining excellent traditional military precision with the supplementation of the bagpipes, in addition to exceptional leadership.”
“Consider that the cadets will be marching over five miles in front of one million cheering spectators and a television audience exceeding 400 million in over 150 countries, and it is easy to understand why the event has been called the ‘Super Bowl’ for marching bands,” said Col. John Brodie, director of the VMI Regimental Band.
The experience will provide the cadets with lifelong memories in addition to showcasing their talents and provide unparalleled exposure for the Institute throughout the country and around the world, Brodie noted.
“We know this group will represent the Institute well and make all of the VMI community proud,” he said.
The Band is scheduled to depart from Richmond on Dec. 27, and perform in and around the Los Angeles area to include Disneyland, at “Bandfest 2008,” and for Alumni gatherings. The cadets will return to Richmond, Virginia, on Jan. 2.
