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Grambling Band to Perform at Rose Bowl Parade

Photo credit: Darryl D. Smith/the Gramblinite The Grambling State University band, shown putting on a show during halftime at the Bayou Classic, plans to perform the "Star Wars" theme, the "Imperial March" (Darth Vader's theme) and the "Throne March" in Pasadena.

By RaeDawn Johnson
Black College Wire

Attention, "Star Wars" fans! The Grambling State University World Famed Tiger Marching Band has been chosen to perform music from the "Star Wars" films at the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, Calif.

The Rose Bowl Classic, known as the granddaddy of the bowl games, takes place Jan. 1. The band will also participate in BandFest, in which the prize-winning bands of the parade perform the field shows that made them winners.

The band is expected to lead a parade into Rose Bowl Stadium, where George Lucas, executive producer of "Star Wars," and characters from the movies are to be.

The band is to perform the "Star Wars" theme, the "Imperial March" (Darth Vader's theme) and the "Throne March."

"It is an accomplishment to be the only black college band chosen for a performance such as this one," said senior Calvin Thomas, a drum major who will be traveling for this performance.

Lucas sent his film company, Lucasfilm, to film the band's practice. "George Lucas wanted this parade to be a big deal and to do so we need the "best band in the land" leading it!," said John Singe, head of public relations for Lucasfilm.

RaeDawn Johnson, a student at Southern University, writes for the Southern Digest.

Posted Dec. 4, 2006