Marching onto the
World’s Stage

On January 1, 2024, the Incomparable Golden Rams Marching Band literally marched onto the world’s stage by proudly representing West Chester University and Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education (PASSHE), as the first marching band within the PASSHE system to march in the iconic Rose Parade presented by Honda.

Donning new uniforms adorned with a purple and gold rose, the Incomparable Golden Rams left a lasting impression and made Rose Parade history by becoming the first band to use more than 20,000 live flowers as part of their performance.

Highlighting the entire Philadelphia region, the band played “Theme from Rocky,” “Philadelphia Freedom,” and “The Liberty Bell March,” while displaying four Philly-themed rolling panels made with all-natural materials that depicted the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the Love Statue. They also carried a 30-flag marching mural that displayed historic and iconic images from throughout Chester County and the Philadelphia region. An all-floral leading banner with West Chester University’s name and the University seal was the crowning touch.

“The band’s students, who represent more than 60 majors, are a constant source of WCU pride as they simultaneously juggle their courseloads with a demanding practice schedule,” said President Christopher Fiorentino. “We are thrilled that they earned a coveted opportunity and brought worldwide recognition to West Chester University, Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.”

In support of the band’s efforts, the West Chester University Foundation launched the “RamBand Road to the Roses ’24” initiative, raising more than $1 million to fund travel expenses for the 336-member band, their instruments, and more than 30 University faculty and staff members. The fundraising initiative was anchored by a $100,000 matching gift challenge from Dr. James Wells ’54 and Richard G. Wells ’58, namesakes for West Chester’s School of Music.

More than 1,400 donors, including alumni, faculty, staff, friends, and family contributed to the effort. Students rallied the support of friends and family through crowdfunding to “fund a mile” of their trip.

Dean of WCU’s Wells School of Music Christopher Hanning said, “Throughout the trip, our engagement with our alumni and band parents let us know how committed they are to our success, and to the University. From all of us in the Wells School of Music, a huge thanks to our donors, our administration, and the WCU Foundation for their incomparable support!”

As part of the festivities, the band was invited to perform a field show at the Tournament of Roses’ 43rd Annual BandFest at Pasadena City College and marched down Main Street, U.S.A., at Disneyland in a smaller celebratory parade. The Rose Parade has a television viewership of more than 25 million people and a live attendance of about 700,000.