UAPB marching band lives 'dream'
By The Associated Press
This article was published January 21, 2009 at 11:41 a.m.
PINE BLUFF — Everything came together for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff marching band, raising $200,000 in a matter of weeks and breaking out new uniforms in time to march in President Barack Obama's inaugural parade.
UAPB band director John Graham said taking part in Tuesday's parade was "like a dream." The 250-member Marching Musical Machine of the Mid-South overcame the cold at the staging area, and the band's performance generated some recognition.
"It was 27 degrees and our feet were numb. We had to wait so long to start, I was afraid the students would be frustrated so we started marching in place and playing. When he heard us, the director of the Air Force band came over and told us we were really good, and the University of Tennessee complimented us, too. After that, the students were good to go and they looked amazing," Graham said Tuesday.
The new uniforms arrived before the band left for the nation's capital, and were purchased with a separate $100,000 gift to the historically black university. People from across the state and the nation answered the call for funds when the band's application to march in the inaugural parade was accepted in late December.
Graham said people along the route seemed to know about UAPB's band.
"There were a lot of people on the sidelines yelling for UAPB. That surprised us. Then I looked over at the viewing stand at our president - it was just overwhelming. Thanks to God and the people who helped us get here. It's something the students will never forget," Graham said.
"Also, as we marched, I heard my son yelling from the sidelines. That was a great moment. I am so happy but tired," he said.
Graham said the band members would tour the city Wednesday and then begin the bus ride home Thursday.
UAPB found out Dec. 31 that it had been chosen for the parade, and organizers had to scramble to gather the funds to move such a large group and the instruments to Washington, D.C. Graham put out a call for donations, and the university publicized an address where donations could be mailed and set up a phone number for credit card donations. As the departure date neared, Graham said the band was accepting between $20,000 and $25,000 per day in donations.
