DURHAM N.C. – The two public universities whose marching bands performed in the Tournament of Roses parade on New Year’s Day relied on alternative resources to take care of what donations couldn’t cover.
The Western Carolina University and North Carolina Central University marching bands were among 22 bands from as far away as Japan to march in the annual, nationally telecast parade in Pasadena, Calif.
North Carolina Central used about $130,000 in student fees to pay the balance after raising about $300,000 for the trip, The News & Observer of Raleigh reported Tuesday.
Western Carolina’s band raised about half the $650,000 it needed for the trip, and the university picked up the rest with its budget and from its Foundation and Development Office. The 390-member band was voted best in the parade.
Both schools say their Rose Parade appearances will pay off in fundraising and admissions interest.
“It’s like athletics. People don’t enroll because a team wins, but it elevates the university,” NCCU Chancellor Charlie Nelms said.
The Pasadena trip had some hiccups. Snow that hit on Christmas weekend caused some travel headaches, and the band didn’t appear on the live national telecast because the network cut away before the Marching Sound Machine reached the cameras.
