One of my favorite events of the year is the annual Tournament of Roses Parade. And every year when I watch this parade on television, the dedication of our nation’s talented band directors amazes me. Here is Part 2 of a two-day series that features these accomplished music educators.

The Pella Marching Dutch Band, Pella, Iowa

Appearing in this year’s Tournament of Roses will be the Pella Marching Dutch Band from Pella, Iowa. The group was led by Director of Bands Dameon Place. This year will be their third appearance in the Rose Parade. Their previous appearances were in 1988 and 2003. The Pella Marching Dutch Band was established in 1937 as an all-inclusive school band with a tradition that has spanned more than 80 years. Their innovative show designs, excellent musicality, and outstanding marching techniques have earned them numerous first place awards. In fact, the group has garnered more than 150 first place finishes and 39 consecutive Division 1 Superior ratings, the highest possible score, at the Iowa High School Music Association (IHSMA) State Marching Band Festival.

Brookwood Bronco Marching Band, Snellville, Georgia

Another of the bands that will be marching in the parade this year is The Bronco High School Marching Band from Snellville, Georgia, under the leadership of Dr. Laura Coates Stanley. The group boasts nearly 300 students representing all the band classes in their high school. Laura has been teaching at Snellville for 20 years. She earned both her Bachelor’s degree in Music Education in 2001 and her Master’s degree in Wind Conducting 2003, both from the University of Georgia. She earned her PhD in Music Education in 2015 from Boston University. Under Laura’s expert leadership, The Bronco Marching Band have received 10 Grand Championships in regional competitions.

Catalina Foothills Falcon Band, Tucson, Arizona

Also appearing in the parade was the Catalina Foothills Falcon Band from Tucson, Arizona, with Director of Bands Renee Shane-Boyd in charge. Renee, who has been a music educator in Tucson for 34 years, earned her Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater, in 1983. She was selected as her District’s 2009 Teachers of the Year. Her group, the largest marching band in the state of Arizona, has won many accolades, including the Nunamaker Award at 2019 UA Band Day. In addition, they performed in the 2019 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and they have travelled to Europe, China, and Australia to perform.

LAUSD All-District High School Honor Band, Los Angeles, California

And finally, we introduce The Los Angeles Unified School District All-District High School Honor Band under the leadership of Band Directors Tony White and Art Duardo. The pair worked together with more than 300 students from approximately 75 Los Angeles county high schools in order to get ready for their 50th Rose Parade performance. This group has been participating in the Rose Parade since 1973. Throughout the years, the band has performed in a variety of events across the greater Los Angeles area, including NFL Super Bowls and Major League Baseball World Series.