ATLANTA—The Georgia State University Panther Band has been selected as one of 20 marching bands to perform in the Tournament of Roses parade on New Year’s Day 2021 in Pasadena, Calif.
In the coming months, the Tournament of Roses president, Dr. Robert Miller, will visit Georgia State to extend a personal invitation to members of the band and meet with community leaders.
Nicknamed “The Granddaddy of Them All,” the parade is held in southern California in conjunction with the Rose Bowl college football game. The parade is a 5.2-mile trek down Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena with nearly a million spectators along the route and an estimated 500 million watching around the world.
“I am so proud of the current and past members of this program,” said Chester Phillips, director of athletic bands. “We have quickly established a world-class band at Georgia State University by living up to our motto – ‘Entertainment through excellence and energy.’”
Sometimes referred to as “The Sound of Downtown,” the Panther Band adds this achievement to its rapidly growing legacy. In 2013, the Panther Band marched through Washington, D.C., playing the music of James Brown during the inauguration of President Barack Obama. In 2014, the band entertained millions along the streets of New York and on television as it participated in the 88th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. In 2019, the Panther Band performed for more than 100 million viewers as part of the Super Bowl LIII halftime show.
Those who wish to support the band on its once-in-a-lifetime journey can do so by visiting music.gsu.edu/TOR for updates and new information.