The Pride of the Mountains Marching Band received a standing ovation after performing its field show “Rock U” at the Tournament of Roses Bandfest on Dec. 30. After its performance, the band trooped the stands by marching in front of the crowd. Then back at the buses, the family of the late Dallas Cook of California and Cook’s high school band director, Gregg Gilboe, came to meet the group. The Pride of the Mountains Marching Band will perform “You” by Suburban Legends in the Rose Parade on Jan. 1 in honor of Cook, who helped write the song and was a member of Suburban Legends. After Cook’s death, the ska band held a fundraiser in Cook’s honor that benefited his high school band at Huntington Beach High School since Cook credited much of his passion for music to his experience in the marching band. WCU band directors said they selected “You” to perform in the Rose Parade because they were inspired by Cook’s life and by Suburban Legends’ tribute to him and want to send the message through their performance at the Rose Parade of a shared love for marching band from the East Coast to West Coast. A full slideshow of photos by Mark Haskett from Dec. 30 will be posted later today. Until then, here are four photos to enjoy from Bandfest.
Thanks for the pictures and updates,it makes being in sc while my daughter is in cali a lot easier. Very proud of all you guys.
I love looking at all the pictures, how much fun everyone is having. Looking forward to the parade!
They were AWESOME!!! Thanks for the pictures!
Just witnessed UNC and Tennessee’s bands perform at Music City Bowl. They got nothing on the Pride.
thanks guys for all the hard work to bring us news of our dear ones while on the road….have a son-in-law and granddaughter out there and so proud of all the hard work and effort that has been put into this trip….so proud of this band and their accomplishments….will always be remembered with pride!!! YAY POTM Love ya Guys..
I can’t believe that they actually showed marching bands on television during a football game. I still remember the WCU – App game a few years back when the band was promised 2 minutes of airtime, but only got 10 seconds as a bumper going into commercial, and then they only showed the drummer on the scaffold.
Kudos to the network that showed the bands, I hope we get to see some of the Pride during the Rose Bowl halftime show! Can’t wait for the the Parade!!
I LOVE THIS BAND!!!
I got friends who are in the band. They been talking about this for a long time and all there hard work is here. Go show what WCU is all about.You guys rock.
as a WCU alum and someone who grew up in Pasadena going the Rose Parade every year, I think it is amazing that the bannd is performing. My only wish is I could be there to see it. It is an amazing experience…enjoy!
Bobby,
The Whitner family wants you to know we are so proud of you and all you and The Pride has accomplished! Looking forward to the performance tomorrow!
Tracy Long WCU graduate 2009