Kentucky State University band will become the first HBCU invited to the January 2027 event in Arizona

The Mighty Marching Thorobreds of Kentucky State University are headed to Arizona for a milestone appearance that will place the band on a national stage. The ensemble has been invited to participate in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade and Celebration on January 2, 2027, becoming the first historically Black college or university invited to the event.

Known for its energy, precision, and showmanship, the Mighty Marching Thorobreds perform at home football games, selected away games, parades, and festivals.

Their national résumé includes three appearances in Mardi Gras parades in New Orleans, three appearances in the St. Louis Gateway Classic, and performances at the Heritage Classic in Columbus, Ohio, the Lexington Heritage Classic, the Honda All-Star Battle of the Bands in Atlanta, the National Battle of the Bands in Houston, and the HBCU Culture Battle of the Bands in Charlotte. The band was also voted the 2019 Best Band in the Land by the national HBCU Awards Committee.

Dr. Rodney D. Chism, assistant professor and director of bands at Kentucky State University, is leading the ensemble into the high-profile appearance. A nationally respected music educator, composer, and saxophonist with more than two decades of experience in instrumental music education, Dr. Chism has directed bands at both the secondary and collegiate levels, written more than 150 works for concert band, marching band, jazz ensemble, and chamber groups, and earned the 2025 Kappa Kappa Psi National Intercollegiate Jazz Composition Award for The Plaza.

The Mighty Marching Thorobreds are complemented by the Kaptivating K-Rette Dance Team and the Silkettes Flag Corps, adding to the pageantry and performance tradition that audiences have come to associate with Kentucky State University.

The band was also featured in a recent WKYT profile produced by Kelsey Souto, which highlighted the significance of the invitation and the road ahead.

Related coverage: WKYT: “First to Fiesta | Kentucky State University’s March to History,” by Kelsey Souto.