'Greatest band in Northern California' 'Greatest band in Northern California' (October 28, 2005)

Foothill H.S. marching band will make fifth trip to Pasadena

It's no small honor to be the only band in Northern California to be invited five times to march in the Tournament of Roses parade. At last week's presentation of the most recent invitation, Tournament president Libby Wright addressed band members assembled on the Football High School football field and cheering fans in the stands.

Wright said as many as 200 schools across the country hope to be selected to perform in the parade, but as few as 16 are selected. Foothill's band and color guard - 250 members strong - is, Wright said, "The greatest band in Northern California. We recognize that, and we've recognized it five times."

Wright said the selection committee has certain criteria:

* Can the band members play music?

* Can they march? (The committee looks for straight lines.)

* Over the years, what has the band accomplished at competitions?

* What does the band mean to its community?

To thank Wright for coming to Pleasanton to personally present the band's invitation, band director Bob Moorefield gave her gifts that included a watercolor of the band marching down Main Street done by band booster Steffie Gross, plus a Foothill High School Marching Band jacket, cap and blanket.

Reiterating that Foothill has "the best band program in Northern California," Principal Kevin Johnson remembered what a thrill it was the year he marched in the Rose Bowl Parade with the band. Rounding a corner, he looked up to see viewing stands filled with people. Over 1 million people, he said, will watch the band perform Jan. 2 in the Tournament of Roses parade in Pasadena.

As the band prepared to perform this year's show for Wright - a compilation of Russian music that includes composer Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture - she said, "It's so exciting for us to have the privilege to see this beautiful band." -By Carol Bogart

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