(WTXL) - As the FAMU Marching 100 get closer to the Tournament of Roses Parade, they're performing around Los Angeles.
On Sunday, the band performed outside of the First AME Church of Los Angeles where Pastor Emeritus and FAMU alum Reverend Cecil "Chip" Murray was in attendance.
Murray graduated from FAMU in 1951 and he said even then the marching band was 'huge.'
"There's a blessing because the Atlantic joins the Pacific and they all join together. They have quite a few graduates of Florida A&M here in California, so they're not strangers but it is a real joy that they would allow us to be their hosts as one of the great bands of the nation," said Murray.
The band also performed at Bandfest at Pasadena City College.
(WTXL) - The Tournament of Roses Parade is just one day away and FAMU's Marching 100 are gearing up for the big event.
The band got to California on Friday and since their arrival they've played at a Lakers game, The First AME Church in Los Angeles, and at Band Fest on Sunday.
Drum Major Stacey James said it's been an incredible experience so far.
"Just to be here is surreal. We made something happen that most people didn't think could happen. We're representing for HBCU's around the world and it's just a great experience," said James. "There's nothing like getting done with a performance and looking out into the crowd and seeing people in awe because they've never seen anything like what we're doing."
The band had their final rehearsal earlier Monday morning as they prepare for the big day Tuesday.
You can watch the Marching 100 and the rest of the Tournament of Roses Parade right here on WTXL.
It all starts at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday.
(WTXL) - The Florida A&M "Marching 100" are in California getting ready for one of the biggest performances ever.
The attached video shows the Rattlers performing Sunday morning for the First AME Church of Los Angeles, which has a congregation of 19,000 members.
Saturday the band practiced in Santa Monica to fine-tune their routine for the big event and on Friday night the band performed in front of the Staples Center in Los Angeles before the Lakers-Clippers game.
You can watch the Marching 100 perform at the 2019 Tournament of Roses Parade right here on WTXL ABC 27.
WTXL's coverage starts New Year's Day at 11 a.m.
