The L. Douglas Wilder Performing Arts Center was energized recently when Tournament of Roses President Amy Wainscott paid a visit. Members of the Spartan Legion Marching Band erupted into cheers as Wainscott made her way to the stage.
Wainscott was there to present the band and Norfolk State University with the official Tournament of Roses flag. The 250-member Legion will participate in the 134th Tournament of Roses Parade on January 2, 2023, in Pasadena, California. The visit officially kicked off the Legion’s participation in the 134th Rose Parade festivities, which is viewed worldwide. In 2023, just 21 total bands will march in the parade.
This is a big deal for Norfolk State, the Hampton Roads region, and the Commonwealth of Virginia. For NSU, it means the institution and the famous Legion will have a rare and valuable opportunity to showcase the 86-year-old HBCU, its gifted students, proficient faculty and staff, and other amenities. Their performance will highlight the historical journey of NSU, the growth and sophistication of Hampton Roads, and the beauty of the Commonwealth.
“It really was a no-brainer for us to select you to participate in the parade,” said Wainscott. “We saw may be about 38-40 performing bands. We had an opportunity to choose just 10 out of those, and you were one of them.”
“Pasadena will be so thrilled. The world will be so thrilled to see the Spartan Legion Marching Band coming down Colorado Boulevard,” she said.
Before Wainscott’s remarks, NSU President Dr. Javaune Adams-Gaston praised the band and band administrators. “Your class, your grandeur, your style is reflective of all of the student body and the entire University. What you do matters.”
“This is an honor,” she said of the selection, “and let me say, you deserve it.”
As the Legion left Wilder Center, Wainscott and her husband, Tim Wainscott, placed a red rose applique on each person as they walked past them.