Local & State Headlines

ASU marching band headed to band show

• Albany State University band is invited back to perform at the Honda Battle of the Bands Celebration Tour and Invitational Showcase.

Barbara Rivera Holmes

ALBANY — For the second year in a row, the Albany State University Marching Rams is one of 10 bands chosen to participate in a premier band show of historically black colleges and universities.

The 178-piece band, which includes musicians and auxiliary, will perform in an exhibition at the Georgia Dome on Jan. 26, 2008. Earlier this year, the band’s then 162 members performed to a crowd of about 70,000.

ASU was chosen from a pool of 42 bands.

“This accomplishment is nothing to think of as a light accomplishment,” said Craig M. Cason, executive producer of the event. “It’s a tremendous opportunity.”

The bands are chosen by votes received from band directors, administrations and students.

Cason said just five bands have returned for a second show.

“The likelihood of getting invited back is unlikely,” he said.

Marching Rams Director Michael DeCuir said the invitation points to the showmanship and hard work of the band.

“We are one of the few bands that does traditional style,” DeCuir said of the band’s drill approach to a show.

DeCuir said the exhibition is a great recruiting tool. A few of the band’s freshman, he said, finalized their college pick after the 2007 Battle of the Bands show.

The invitation comes with a $10,000 grant. Just as last year, DeCuir said the money will go toward band scholarships, equipment and trips.

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