By Ariyana Griffin
AFRO Staff Writer
agriffin@afro.com
Morgan State University’s historic Magnificent Marching Machine marching band has been selected to perform in the 137th Rose Parade, which will take place in California on Jan. 1 2026.
Photo courtesy of Instagram / Morgan State University
The Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association goes through a very selective process to decide who will participate in the annual parade. While thousands of high school, college, community and military bands apply alongside international groups, only 20-25 bands are chosen to take the main stage.
The limited spots make the selection process intense; the university stated that the bands are judged upon “musicianship, marching ability, and entertainment or special interest value,” among other attributes.
While this will be the university’s first time participating in the California New Year’s tradition, they are more than ready to show what the Magnificent Marching Machine can do.
“The selection of Morgan’s Magnificent Marching Machine to participate in the 137th Rose Parade is a major achievement, not just for our band but for the entire Morgan community,” said Dr. David K. Wilson, president of Morgan State University in a statement.
“This is an extraordinary moment of pride for Morgan, and I do not doubt that the world will be as captivated by the Magnificent Marching Machine as we are every time they take the field.”
Dr. Jorim Reid, Morgan State’s director of the bands, expressed the importance of the achievement and what it means for Morgan to have this opportunity. The annual parade is viewed by more than 50 million people worldwide.
“There’s no bigger event in the marching band world than the Rose Parade. When you perform on New Year’s Day, the eyes of the world are watching,” said Dr. Reid in a statement, emphasizing the global significance of the event.
“It is an honor for our university to be invited, and a great opportunity for our students and marching band program to be highlighted globally,” said Dr. Reid. “We look forward to our turn to participate in what’s known as ‘The Granddaddy of Them All.’”
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