The 2012 Tournament of Roses set a number of records: warmest day, longest parade float, highest-scoring game and longest touchdown run. For the participants, each moment of the trip to Pasadena, Calif.—especially the 5.5-mile parade—marked a personal highlight. Enjoy Halftime Magazine’s 5th annual photo spread, featuring sights from Bandfest, the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game.
Photos by Fred Boyd, Tom Emerson Photography, Ken Martinson/Marching.com and Pasadena Tournament of Roses/Long Photography
The Parade
Just imagine: clear-blue skies, the warm sun, a panoramic view of the mountains and the scent of flowers filling the air. That’s the paradise experienced by thousands of performers as they marched down the streets of Pasadena, Calif., in the 123rd Rose Parade presented by Honda. Held on Monday, Jan. 2, due to an established tradition by the Tournament of Roses to never hold the event on Sunday, the parade still proved to be a sweet New Year’s tradition.
The Game
In the 98th Rose Bowl Game presented by Vizio, the University of Oregon Ducks defeated the University of Wisconsin Badgers with a score of 45 to 38—the highest-scoring game in Rose Bowl history. Both bands rocked out on the field; the Oregon Marching Band, led by Dr. Eric Wiltshire, performed a tribute to Van Halen while the University of Wisconsin, led by Michael Leckrone, played a medley of music from “Jersey Boys.” Visit Halftime Magazine’s “Web Exclusives” section for comments from each band director.
Oregon: Oregon won its first Rose Bowl in 95 years, with the band members giving all their energy in support of the team. “The Rose Bowl is a huge deal, and the world is watching,” says director Dr. Eric Wiltshire. © 2012. Tom Emerson Photography.
Wisconsin: The University of Wisconsin makes its second-consecutive and eighth overall appearance in the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game. “You can’t beat the Rose Bowl for bands; it’s just a great experience,” says director Michael Leckrone. © 2012. Tom Emerson Photography.
