Wyoming’s Western Thunder Gets Roses, and California

Wyoming is going to ring in the New Year in grand style in January 2025.

Dr. Joe Carver presented 200 members of The University of Wyoming Western Thunder Marching Band with roses this week, to symbolize the surprise he had in store for them: Western Thunder is headed to Pasadena to march in the Tournament of Roses in 2025.

Almost one million people converge upon the California city to watch the parade to see flowers, marching bands, and graceful equestrians. 

Now, Brown and Gold will appear at the prestigious parade, which began in 1890.

The Rose Parade will celebrate the New Year, and usher in the Rose Bowl.

Western Thunder’s website says “Anyone willing to do a little work and have a lot of fun,” is encouraged to join.

The University of Wyoming Bands began in 1913 as an R.O.T.C. unit and remained part of the campus military science area until after World War II. The band is comprised of a diverse array of campus majors, and members don’t have to audition–they even have an instrument to borrow if you don’t have one.

Baton twirlers and color guard members are also welcome.  

Western Thunder performs at all Wyoming home football games, travels to one road game each year, and has traveled across the country to over a dozen bowl games. Carver has been the director since 2019.