For the second consecutive year, The Spirit of Stony Brook Marching Band participated in New York City’s Annual Columbus Day Parade on October 8, which was broadcast live from Fifth Avenue on WABC-TV.
Coaches and players from Stony Brook’s baseball team joined the band to celebrate their “Shock the World” run to the 2012 College World Series on a special float provided by the Columbus Citizens Foundation.
The Stony Brook contingent was led by this year’s homecoming king and queen, Karthik Rao (biology ’13), a marching band drum major, and Dani Klupenger (journalism/business ’13), a member of the women’s basketball team. Also participating in the parade was distinguished alumni Richard T. Nasti (’78), a Stony Brook Foundation board member and Senior Vice President of H.J. Kalikow & Company.
Wolfie was outfitted with a GoPro Camera, allowing ABC to cut live into the broadcast to glimpse views of marchers and parade onlookers.
The Columbus Day Parade is sponsored by the Columbus Citizens Foundation, a cultural and philanthropic organization deeply committed to education. They provide approximately $2 million annually to more than 600 deserving students who have the capacity but not the means to secure a first-rate education.
“The invitation to perform in the historic New York City Columbus Day Parade marks yet another milestone in a string of recent accomplishments by the Spirit of Stony Brook and speaks to the wonderful talent, commitment, hard work and enthusiasm of our students and staff,” said Jeffrey A. Barnett, assistant dean of students, who oversees the Office of Athletic Bands. “Our students and their families are thrilled to be back.”
“This band first performed together just six years ago in 2006,” said Jerrold L. Stein, associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students. “To be invited to perform at one of the marquee parades in the biggest city in the world and to have accomplished all that they have in this short time is a remarkable achievement.”
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