Local Redcoat Members Experience Rose Bowl
Anna Grace Parker and Clay Evans both represent Monticello and Jasper County in the Marching Redcoat Band of the University of Georgia, and I caught up with them last week as they were preparing to go to the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif.
Literally caught up with them is correct…they were out walking in preparation of the 5.5 mile parade hike they were anticipating Monday morning.
After perhaps the most exciting football bowl game in recent history, I had to hear from them again. Alas, they did not get back to Georgia until Tuesday night, and back to Athens fairly late. And, they were exhausted.
But they were kind enough to share a little about their experience.
“What a day!” began Mr. Evans. “Overall, the trip was extremely intense and exhausting. We were always on the go. The parade seemed much longer than 5.5 miles but seeing Georgia fans all throughout the parade route was refreshing. The majority of the fans in Pasadena were mostly Georgia fans. Immediately following the parade, we ate In-n-Out burgers and headed to the stadium.
“The atmosphere around and in the stadium was electric. Being at that stadium and experiencing such a historical win made our hectic week worth it,” said Mr. Evans.
“It has been my dream to be a part of this band and having an experience like this made my dream come true even better. It truly is an honor to be a part of this organization. After a 5.5 mile parade and an intense game, I realized how fortunate I am to be a part of something so great.”
Here’s what Miss Parker had to say:
“I’ve tried to find the words to describe what I have just experienced, but I can’t seem to find any. From marching 5.5 miles in the Rose Parade to screaming and crying when Sony Michel made the game-winning touchdown in double overtime, I would say the last several days were the absolute best!
“Redcoats has without a doubt been one of the best things to ever happen to me and I could never thank the organization enough for making my dreams come true.
“To my family, friends, and the wonderful people of Monticello, thank you for all of your love and support. None of this would be possible if it weren’t for you!”
She summed up her remarks by saying, “Being a part of something so special has changed my life forever. How sweet it is!”
All I learned from the pair before the game paled in comparison to the experience of actually being there. But, the background information gives us some knowledge of the pair.
They were looking forward to the parade, and said it was the biggest they had ever marched in. Both youths talked about how exciting this football season has been, and agreed their favorite game was Notre Dame. The most exciting game before Monday was the SEC championship game in Atlanta last month.
Mr. Evans and Miss Parker along with the 500 or so other Redcoats left Athens at noon Saturday for the trip to the Atlanta airport where they boarded a plane for a five-hour ride to California. Upon arrival in California, they headed to the stadium for a group photo.
They stayed at the Omni Hotel in downtown Los Angeles, and they practiced their routine at a local high school. They also took part in a pep rally at Disneyland on Sunday.
Part of the halftime show was aired Monday evening, but it’s hard to pick out the local folks in the sea of red and black. There are 430 band members, and with the staff, about 500 travel together. Mr. Evans said there are 68 trumpets in his section, and Miss Parker is one of 36 piccolos.
The Redcoats do four different shows in a season…quite a step up from high school. And, Mr. Evans said they play a lot more during the game than they did in high school.
To be a member of the Redcoats, the band members must take a placement audition each summer, as well as play at the G-Day game. In addition the concert band has two concerts a year, which they must participate in. Band camp is mandatory, and takes place the first week in August.
Both students are in their sophomore year at UGA—Mr. Evans is studying accounting, and Miss Parker is majoring in human development and family sciences in preparation for nursing school after Redcoats. They have band practice three days a week, and they both said that helps them with having to schedule, and staying on top of their studies. They know they have a limited amount of time to get all their work done, so they schedule well.
Neither of the students had been to California before….Mr. Evans had been as far west as Mexico, and Miss Parker hadn’t been past Notre Dame.
The local youth said they grew up together, and both sets of parents have season tickets and come to all the games. They both now live off campus in apartments. I asked how much they see the other Monticelloans at UGA, and they said not much.
When questioned about the worse part of being in the band…it wasn’t the practice, marching, or any of that. The worst thing is having to show a good attitude regardless, they both agreed. For example, when Georgia lost to Auburn, the band had to keep playing its upbeat songs and the band members are expected to smile and be positive, but it was a dreadful experience.
Their favorite parts are a little different. Mr. Evans said getting to know people is his favorite part. Miss Parker said just being a part of it, and getting to go to all the games was the best part.
