Famous Grambling State University Marching Band arrives ahead of Cal game

RICHMOND, Calif. (KGO) -- Perhaps the most famous college marching band in the country is in the Bay Area, preparing for their performance this weekend at Memorial Stadium in Berkeley. That's when Cal hosts the Grambling State Tigers in the opening football game of the season.

On Thursday, the band practiced at Kennedy High School in Richmond. It was a big treat for residents nearby.

When asked if they're having as much fun as it looks, trombone player Haley Comeaux said, "Yeah, we really do. I mean, it's hard work, but at the end of the day, you do it for the love of it."

Alto sax player Jasmine Jackson added, "When I was younger, I used to always watch Grambling's band on YouTube. Like, it was something that I always watched and I always dreamed of."

Senior Jalen Hawkins, a drum major, said, "What we bring to the marching band experience is enthusiasm, a little bit of fun on the field, and just getting the crowd hyped."

Amid the fun, there's also an effort to send a serious message.

"You have the potential to do anything that you put your mind to," said band member Jamie Taylor, who is from Oakland. "I didn't think that I would be able to do it, balancing classes and everything, but I've done it and I'm just so happy and I'm proud of myself, as well as my peers."

"The message is music," said Hawkins. "Music charming everybody, music brings life, music is the greatest thing in the world."

We've been told their program is a special one they brought to Northern California, a tribute of sorts to the region that will include a little bit of Tower of Power.

The Cal Bears face the Grambling State Tigers at 2 p.m. on Saturday.