Rome High School’s marching band will be the official marching band of the 2009 Russell Athletic-NAIA Football National Championship to be played Dec. 19 in Rome, organizers announced today.

The Sound of the Seven Hills marching band will perform the national anthem, provide in-stands music, and present a halftime show titled “Blue Memories.”

“The NAIA football national championship is a wonderful event for Rome and Floyd County, and we are excited to have Rome’s own Sound of the Seven Hills be part of this year's game,” said Bill Peterson, athletic director at Shorter College and co-chair of the NAIA Host Committee. “Rome High and Shorter College are proud to call Barron Stadium home. We are happy that the Rome band’s 2009 schedule allows them to showcase their considerable talents — on their home turf — before a national audience."

The 2009 NAIA championship event will be held on Saturday, Dec. 19, at Barron Stadium in downtown Rome. It will be broadcast nationally by CBS College Sports Network.

The Rome band is directed by Lydell Self, who is in his second year as director of bands at Rome High. Prior to coming to Rome, he served as director of bands for grades 6 through 12 at Gordon Lee Schools for 29 years

Tickets to the game are $25 and are available for purchase from The Forum by calling 706-291-5281, 800-858-7601 or visiting www.forumevents.org. Fans may also purchase tickets at the gate on game day.