2014 Rose Parade Band Application 11-25-11 Word Version

The Rose Parade's musical tradition dates back to 1891 when the Monrovia, California City Band joined the procession of flower-covered pony carts in the second Tournament of Roses Parade. "I think we have started something,” remarked Dr. Francis F. Rowland, one of the Tournament's founders. Since then, hundreds of thousands of musicians have made the famous march down Colorado and Orange GroveBoulevards on New Year's Day.

Actually, not every band member has marched down these streets. In 1934, members of the Roberts Mounted Band appeared on horseback, and in the 1950’s, the Los Angeles Boy Scout Band was chauffeured in official Tournament automobiles. Pasadena Public School bands of the 1930’s entertained from atop flowered floats, and the 1933 Parade featured a marimba playerriding on a decorated car. 

From Holland, Michigan’s High School Band marching in wooden shoes to The Toppers Band of the 50's and 60's, performing in full black tie and tails, band members have sported Scottish kilts, Hawaiian shirts, Arabian fezzes, Indian headdresses, Robin Hood costumes, Spanish dresses, pirate hats and court jester outfits.

Several of the bands that appear annually in RoseParade have been a part of the Tournament family since its early years. The Salvation Army Band has appeared in the Parade every year since 1920. The Pasadena Area Community College District Band first appeared in 1930 as the Pasadena Junior College Band. The Composite United States Marine Corps Band has been a part of the Rose Parade for more than 50 years.

Whether a band is a Rose Paradeveteran or a newcomer from across town or across the globe, and no matter what it’s wearing or playing, it becomes an important part of the history of marching bands in the Tournament of Roses, adding to over 120 years of harmony to the world's most-watched celebration.



Introduction


Thank you for considering the Rose Parade as an opportunity to showcase your band to the world. Thisdocument will answer basic questions, guide you through the application process, and offer suggestions on how to submit the best possible application to participate in the Tournament of Roses Parade.



Expectations


Marching in the Rose Parade is a remarkable experience, to be remembered and treasured for a lifetime. Participating bands not only march the nearly 6-mile parade route, butalso in the days immediately preceding the parade, they perform along with other Rose Parade bands in shows at Bandfest and have the opportunity to take a band photo in front of the historic Rose Bowl. All bands invited to march in the parade are required to perform at one of the three Bandfest shows. In addition, Band Directors are invited to a Brunch with the President of the Pasadena Tournamentof Roses.

Although there are no entry fees, each band must finance its transportation, accommodations and all other expenses while in southern California. This can result in an estimated cost from $1,800 - $2,000 per person, depending on distance traveled, length of stay, and additional activities you might arrange.


Throughout the year, the Pasadena Tournament of Roses expects BandDirectors to respond to various requests for additional information relevant to press coverage, parade planning, and the various events associated with the Rose Parade. A few days before the parade, all directors and drum majors must attend a mandatory morning breakfast meeting for final instructions and a tour of the parade route.

AppAApplication Requirements




Each year, the PasadenaTournament of Roses selects bands from among the many applications submitted. The attached application form and accompanying materials must be received by May 15th, 2012 to the Pasadena Tournament of Roses offices to be considered for the January 1, 2014 Rose Parade. Invitations are issued in the fall, more than a year in advance of the parade, to allow bands to raise the funds necessary for a trip...