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The next few months are looking rosy for Lakota West Marching Band students. They are gearing up for the Jan. 1 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, Calif.

"If you haven't figured it out by now, this is a big deal," Director Greg Snyder said to his band last week.

They looked on as CL Keedy III, president and chairman of the event, presented Snyder with a button up shirt, covered with passports and roses.

It coordinated with the theme this year, "Passport to the World's Celebrations."

Each student received a 2008 Rose Bowl poster and pin as well as a Lakota pin.

The band took a group photo for promotional material, and Snyder said it made the event seem even closer.

"There was just electricity about getting the band together. They are the Rose Parade Band," he said.

Keedy, who spent four days in the district touring the schools, attending Cincinnati functions and promoting fund-raising, said he was impressed with Lakota.

"I'd have to say that Lakota's the most organized fundraising band I have ever seen," he said.

Keedy has volunteered his time on tournament committees for 33 years, and as president, he said his goal is to meet every band coming to the parade. Of the 21 bands attending in 2008, eight are high school bands.

"I knew exactly what I was looking for in bands," Keedy said.

He spoke to band members about their upcoming opportunity and warned them of the early hour they would have to be at the parade route, possibly 4 a.m. He also warned them to breathe, despite all the people watching.

"Have fun," he said.

The band members will get an up-close view of the floats the day before the parade and will get a chance to perform in a Bandfest field show. About 300 students are attending the event, along with 45 chaperones and 200 spectators from the district. The band is raffling off a $400,000 Dixon Builders home as their main source of funds for the trip. Tickets cost $150 with one in 5,000 odds for the grand prize. Numerous monetary prizes also will be awarded. Prizes will be drawn starting June 30, and the grand prize winner will be drawn Oct. 21.

"It will be a good opportunity to see bands from across the country," Snyder said. "We're just excited about (Keedy's) time here with us. It just is a catalyst for the start of marching season. The kids are so excited about this."

Contact this reporter at (513) 755-5067 or lhilty@coxohio.com.