The Science Hill marching band is smelling roses. 2009 Tournament of Roses President Corky Conzonire made it official today. He's in Johnson City all this week to formally invite the 237 members of the marching Hilltoppers to Pasadena, California, for the January 1, 2009, Tournament of Roses Parade.

"Their performance was just fantastic," Conzonire said. "We looked at their DVD's and we were just thrilled with what we saw."

Science Hill is one of only 21 schools chosen to march in the parade shortly before the kick-off of the Rose Bowl.

"We've picked some parade themes and some tunes that will really make our band stand out and be the one that everybody's talking about in the 2009 parade," Science Hill Band Director Tom Stites said.

Science Hill is hosting a Band-a-thon Saturday at the Mall at Johnson City to raise money for their upcoming trip out west. It will run from 10 am until 4 pm. The Hilltoppers last performed in the Tournament of Roses Parade in 1999.