West Chester University’s “INCOMPARABLE” Golden Rams Marching Band kicks off its “Road to the Roses” journey this weekend with festivities to celebrate and honor the Golden Rams as the first marching band in Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) to march in the iconic Rose Parade presented by Honda on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024. This weekend marks the first of many fall events leading up to the band’s Rose Parade appearance.

On Friday, Sept. 15, Tournament of Roses President Alex Aghajanian arrives and will attend the band’s final rehearsal before Saturday’s first home game of the season. He’ll speak to the band and present them with their official Rose Parade pins and posters. Representatives from the City of Philadelphia will also be on-site to present Aghajanian with a special Liberty Bell gift.

On Saturday, Sept. 16, join hundreds of students, parents, and alumni for the noon home opener football game vs. Gannon University. Deemed “Road to the Roses Day,” the band will unveil its 2023 halftime show, “In Bloom,” with themes and music that tie to the band’s Rose Parade appearance. 

Prior to the performance, Tournament of Roses President Alex Aghajanian will present a Tournament of Roses flag to West Chester University President Christopher Fiorentino, who will make remarks about the band’s “Road to the Roses” journey.

On display will be an all-floral, dried version of West Chester University’s seal, made of rice and purple statice, that will be used in the parade, as well as other artifacts and sketches of the band’s visual plans.

Director of Athletic Bands Adam Gumble said, “Marching in the Rose Parade has been a longtime goal of the INCOMPARABLE Golden Rams Marching Band. We are eager to share our Rose Parade plans and introduce President Aghajanian to the students, alumni, faculty, staff, and fans who have long supported our program.”

It’s not too late to donate to the “RamBand Road to the Roses ‘24” initiative, which aims to raise $1 million to support the band’s appearance in the Rose Parade. Gifts can be made here.

Learn more at West Chester University.