Spartan News
12
The Norfolk State Spartan Legion participated in the 134th Tournament of the Roses Parade on January 2, 2023. The Rose Parade is six miles long and is held in Pasadena, California annually.
The Spartan Legion was the only HBCU represented this year and the journey to this celebration was not easy.
“It started with Ms.Sanders, she put the bug in my ear that we should apply, and an Alumni from this school named Anthony Allmond, a successful band director in Southern California, his band has done the Rose Parade, and he pitched our band for us to the committee”, said Mr. William H. Beathea, Director of Bands.
Bethea shared he was quite hesitant in applying because he wanted to ensure the program was ready to be displayed across the world.
However Sanders’ encouragement pushed him to submit the application in 2020.
Ms. Stephanie K. Sanders, the Assistant Director of Bands described the long process as long.
“You have to apply, you have to send in information, give the history of the school and the band program. The awesome thing was that we were chosen on the first time, because when we went, one of the requirements of the Rose Bowl is that the year before you go to the
Rose Bowl,"Sanders said.
"You have to see how it is, how is the parade route, what you have to do to get ready in that year to
prepare for this
moment,"
Sanders
continued.
The Spartan
Legion was
chosen on their
first application
and Beathea
credits that to
Allmond’s push
in recommending
the Legion and
their “vault of
accomplishments
” left from the
directors before
himself.
“People apply 1..2..3..4.5.. Times, that was our first time applying so apparently they saw something that they thought would be noteworthy to put into the parade," Bethea said.
"Because the tournament of the roses parade is the most
prestigious one in the world
because of how many people see it, and it's in L.A. come on," Beathea continued.
After waiting a year to hear back from the committee, Bethea described the phone call when he
found out the band was invited into
the 2023 Tournament of Roses Parade.
“We wanted to tell you that the problem with your application is nothing, will you and the Spartan Legion accept this invitation for the 2023 Tournament of Roses Parade?" Bethea recalled.
I screamed YES! YES! I was just going crazy, and I think they were laughing at me but I was excited... It was super exciting to get that phone call. I will never forget it.” Beathea continued.
THe ROAD TO PASADENA:
By A'Lauren Gilchrist