The band spelled out on the field the names of 24 major sponsors whose gifts totaled about $60,000 toward the $640,000 cost of the trip. The two-hour session (that took 36 hours for the band directors to chart) can be seen in 2 minutes and 24 seconds in this video, which was created with footage provided by assistant band director Jon Henson and edited and uploaded by WCU student Joseph Hader. The last name spelled is “Bob,” which the students did in honor of retiring director Bob Buckner.

Thank you to everyone who has helped make the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of marching in the Rose Parade possible for the nearly 400 members of band! Every gift counts. If you wish to make a gift, visit http://give.wcu.edu or purchase an $8.50 webcast of the band’s performance in the Tournament of Roses Bandfest. WCU performs in the morning session on Dec. 30. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Pride of the Mountains Marching Band.