The Get a Life Marching Band is an all-adult group based in Portland, Oregon whose members have three things in common: (1) We were all in high school or college marching bands; (2) We still haven't gotten over it; (3) We'd rather miss a note than a meal! Since its 1994 formation by Executive Director Bob Pulido, GAL has delighted Northwest and national audiences with its high-energy, brassy, funky rock and roll style - we may be a marching band, but that doesn't mean we have to play Sousa! Our current show is heavily rooted in rock and roll favorites, but we also play patriotic tunes, funk, jazz, soul, disco, a polka or two, and yep, even a couple of marches.

The band (including dance team, color guard, and twirling squad) hails from all around the Portland Metro area and ranges in age from 20's to 60's. For special events members join us from as far away as Seattle, Las Vegas, Cincinnati, Phoenix, and Tampa. At formal parades like this one, our uniform consists of black slacks plus light green collared shirts and white caps with the GAL logo; auxiliary squads wear complementary uniforms.

While passing in front of the reviewing stand, we'll highlight President Obama's call for unity, our national reach, and our regional roots with a medley of Grand Funk Railroad's "We're An American Band" and the Pacific Northwest Anthem "Louie Louie".

The band is known for spontaneity on the parade route (heck, even WE don't always know what's going to happen!) and its ability to engage parade crowds using sing-alongs, humor, and "just for you" solo performances. Our goal is to send each audience member home with a special and unexpected memory!

While GAL plays most of its events in and around Oregon and Washington, the band has traveled extensively and generally makes one road trip a year. Major appearances include:

• Walt Disney World (2008)
• Gasparilla Parade of the Pirates (Tampa, 2008)
• Puyallup Fair (Washington, 2008)
• San Antonio Fiesta Flambeau Parade (2001, 2003, 2007)
• Queen Victoria Days Parade (Victoria, British Columbia, 2006)
• Pasadena Doo Dah Parade (2005)
• Disneyland (2005)
• Animal House 25th Anniversary Celebration (Cottage Grove, Oregon, 2003)
• Boise River Festival (2002)
• Seattle SEAFAIR Torchlight Parade (1999, 2000, 2001)
• The largest Veterans Day Parade west of the Mississippi (Albany, Oregon, 2000, 2006)

National Public Radio ran a 5-minute story about GAL on All Things Considered (September 25, 2006) with a brief pick-up by The CBS Evening News with Katie Couric four days later. Making Music Magazine featured the band in its July/August 2007 issue. Though not a "competition" band, GAL has received numerous awards at local events. Other significant awards include 1st Place Out of State Band, San Antonio Fiesta Flambeau Parade, 2003; and Sweepstakes Award (best entry in parade), Long Beach (Washington) Loyalty Days, 2007.

While we love entertaining crowds and making music, we know which side our bread is buttered on. Annual band mottos have included:

• We'd Rather Drop a Tuba than a Fork;
  
• We're an Eating Band with a Marching Disorder;
  
• Still Eating After All These Years (our 10th Anniversary slogan);
  
• Are You Gonna Eat That???

As you can tell we LOVE doing what we do. We're excited at the thought of bringing GAL's special brand of fun to the Inauguration and would be deeply honored to represent the State of Oregon at this historic event in our 15th anniversary year.

Get a Life Marching Band Website: www.getalifemb.org