Albany State University’s marching band met its fundraising goal and will represent Georgia in the 2016 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, Calif.
The “Rams in the Roses and Beyond” campaign exceeded its $270,000 goal, and raised $332,775 for the institution. The additional money will go towards need-based scholarships.
The Albany State Marching Rams band is the only Georgia band, the only university band from the southeastern United States and the only historically black university band in the nation to participate in the event, school officials said. Albany State will appear as number 25 of 93 participants in the New Year’s Day, two-hour live special that will air at 8 a.m.
The band is scheduled to leave for California on Dec. 28 for a weeklong stay that will include band performances, television interviews, community service projects and visit to attractions such as the Grammy Museum and Museum of Tolerance.
“These students will have cultural and educational experiences and memories that will last them a lifetime,” said Albany State president Arthur Dunning, who contributed to the fundraising campaign with his wife. The Dunnings also matched donated gifts in the month of October up to $25,000. “For many of our students, this will be their first time in California and we want to provide them with enriching experiences that will benefit them, academically and culturally.”
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