Mustang Marching Band Selected to Perform in Chinese New Year Parade

The Cal Poly Mustang Band has been invited to participate in the Southwest Airlines Chinese New Year Parade on Feb. 15 in San Francisco.

Started in the 1860s by the Chinese community in San Francisco to educate and share their culture with the greater community, the parade and festival have grown to be the largest celebration of Asian culture outside of Asia. The parade was named one of the Top 10 Parades in the world by the International Festivals and Events Association.

The Mustang Marching Band, with more than 200 members, performs for more than 40 events on campus each year, including athletic events and university functions. The band was noticed at a recent building dedication and received the invitation shortly thereafter. Cal Poly is one of only two university bands to be invited.

The parade will celebrate the "Year of the Horse" with floats, dragon dancers, and other festive entries.