Office of Internal Communications
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November 16, 2004 When the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR) Parade rolls through downtown on Saturday, Feb. 26, a blast of Cougar pride will be at the forefront of the procession. The University of Houston Spirit of Houston Cougar Marching Band is the lead-off band at the upcoming HLSR Parade, following the parade’s grand marshal and Texas Color Guard. The Cougar band will now be included in a rotation for this prestigious spot along with bands from the University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M University. “This is the first year UH is included in this lead band rotation,” said Harry Perrin, HLSR parade committee chairman. “Every three years, UH will have this spot.” UH’s marching band has traditionally participated in the 66-year-old parade, but thanks to subtle lobbying by George Moore, devoted UH alumnus and longtime member of the HLSR committee, it will now be prominently positioned in the procession. “I’m tickled to see this happen,” Moore said. “I’m very proud of my alma mater, and I thought it was time that this band be considered to be at the front of the parade.” David Bertman, director of the Spirit of Houston, said the band plans to develop a special number to kick off a new UH tradition. “Considering the university’s ties with the city and the numerous alumni who will be watching the parade, this will be a very special moment,” Bertman said. “We’ll have a few surprises and a few musical twists to put our stamp on this important event for the university.” Mike Emery
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