All the Rose Bowl’s heroes – John David Booty, Fred Davis, Sedrick Ellis, Desmon Reed, Sam Baker, and Chauncey Washington – were there: triumphantly raising the Drum Major’s sword above the Trojan Marching Band in another rendition of “Conquest!” after their 49 – 17 rout of the Illinois Illini at the 94th Rose Bowl Game on January 1. For the 32nd time in the more than 125 years of the TMB, the Trojans took over Pasadena, and few visits were as much fun as this year.
The first day of the New Year was a long one as band members met for breakfast at 4:30am before boarding buses for the Rose Parade. After five and half miles and many “Fight On’s” along Colorado Boulevard, the TMB made its way over to the Arroyo Seco. The TMB performed its traditional pregame plus a new formation added for its nationally televised performance of “The Star Spangled Banner.” At halftime, the band performed a show dedicated to modern rock and funk . First up, was Jamiroquai’s funky hit “Canned Heat.” Next was a rousing rendition of “Deliver Me” by the soul group Robert Randolph & The Family Band. The TMB finished its halftime performance with “Blow Me Away” by hard rock band Breaking Benjamin.
It was obvious by the end of the game that the Trojan Marching Band and “Tribute to Troy” had gotten into the Illini’s heads when an Illinois player threw a football toward the band after scoring a meaningless touchdown (and was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct). It didn’t faze band members, especially the seniors, who enjoyed their third BCS Bowl win in four years. It was also the TMB’s fourth Rose Bowl in five years and Dr. Bartner’s 15th appearance at the event. Though they wouldn’t mind coming back in 2009, a trip to the BCS Championship Game is the goal next season. Either way, it was an amazing way for the Trojan Marching Band to kick off the season.
