IU marching band prepares for Rose Bowl – News 8 at 5 INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — As IU prepares to take on Alabama in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, IU’s Marching Band has been busy rehearsing for the millions watching. Band members are excited for the ride of a lifetime. In an interview with NE WS 8, Marching Hundred Drum Major, Rosamaria McMahon reflected on the Big Ten Championship. “The clock hit zero, and from that moment, I just started crying. I was just like so overwhelmed with joy,” said McMahon. “It’s like a dream come true. This is something we haven’t done in so long,” McMahon said. 1968 was the last time Indiana University and its marching band, Indiana University Marching Hundred have been to the Rose Bowl. “That has been a big part of why we’re going to the Rose Bowl. It’s because of Cignetti, it’s because of our fans and our awesome football team,” McMahon said. Back then, women weren’t in the band. McMahon is the second drum major and first female IU drum major to ever go. “I’m just taking it all in, living in the moment, and I’m so excited to go to Pasadena and live in history,” McMahon said. With 800,000 people in the stands and millions watching on tv, this will be their biggest stage. “Something that always stuck with me when I was growing up twirling, one of my teammates said to me, ‘you can either be nervous or grateful, but you can’t be both.’ So, I’m going to choose the gratitude all the way, especially being a senior, I’m going to soak in every second,” said Sydney Butz. McMahon and baton twirler Sydney Butz help lead the 300-person band. “The role of the baton twirler was a role that had not been filled previously for thirty years before I joined. So, I like to joke that I was just persistent enough,” Butz said. Rehearsals for the big stage began the day after Christmas. “It warms my heart. During our outside rehearsal, there were people showing up to our parade rehearsal and cheering us on and watching the band. Getting that support from the community has been awesome, absolutely awesome,” said McMahon. No matter what the scoreboard says on New Year’s Day, these students say they’ve already won because they’re a part of history in the making. “Whatever happens, rain or shine, we’re going to be ready to go,” said McMahon. “It really is so crazy, and I’m so grateful. I’m so grateful that I’m here at the perfect time,” said Butz. The band will fly out Tuesday morning to go to Pasadena. Breakfast for the big day will be at 3:45 in the morning. The parade steps off at 8 a.m., followed by a full day of performing. ...read more read less