One of my favorite events of the year is the annual Tournament of Roses Parade. The event takes place every year on the morning of January 1. This exciting parade is televised live from the city of my birth: Pasadena, California. I love everything about the parade: the flower-festooned floats, the sprightly equestrian units, the celebrity appearances, and the spectacular marching bands. This year, the parade theme is “Celebrating a World of Music: The Universal Language.” Every year when I watch this parade on television, the dedication of our nation’s talented music educators always amazes me. Here is Part 1 of a multi-day series that features these accomplished music educators.

The Bands Of Santiago Sharks “The BOSS”: Corona, CA

I have to start with the BOSS (Bands Of Santiago Sharks) from Corona, California, even though they appeared late in the parade. Why? Santiago High School is a part of the Corona Norco Unified School District (CNUSD), the District where I spent my entire 36-year career as an educator. For me, anything connected with CNUSD is a sentimental favorite.

The Santiago High School Band is popularly known as “The BOSS,” which stands for The Bands Of Santiago Sharks. This spectacular turquoise-and-black-clad Marching Band and Color Guard was led by Director of Bands Joe Dudek. This is the third appearance of the 234-member group in the Tournament of Roses Parade. Previously they marched in the 2013 and the 2018 Rose Parades.

Director of Bands Joe Dudek of Santiago High School in Corona, California, led “The BOSS” in the 2024 Tournament of Roses Parade. Photo credit: Santiago High School

Joe earned his Bachelor’s degree in Music Education in 1988 and his Master’s degree in Instrumental Music Conduction in 1996, both from California State University at Fullerton, which also happens to be my alma mater. Joe is a well-respected field show, parade, and concert band adjudicator for the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association (SCSBOA), and he often serves as a presenter or clinician at music conferences throughout California. Part of his responsibilities in this role includes assigning judges for over 100 festivals in Southern California and for training and mentoring newly appointed judges.

Castle High School Marching Knights: Newburgh, Indiana

Music educator Ethan Wilkinson, Director of Bands for Castle High School in Newburgh, Indiana, will lead his students in the 2024 Tournament of Roses Parade. Photo credit: Ethan Wilkinson

The Castle High School Marching Knights from Newburgh, Indiana, performed in this year’s parade under the capable leadership of Band Director Ethan Wilkinson.

Ethan took over the Castle Band program in 2020. He is a 2019 graduate of Ball State University, where he participated in the marching band program. And he just happens to be a 2015 of the school where he works, Castle High School.

The 200-member Castle Marching Knights has been named the 2017 Bands of America Class 3A National Champion, and they have been twice been named a Bands of America Grand National Finalist. Their success has earned them a well-deserved reputation as one of the best marching bands in the country.

Albertville High School Aggie Band: Albertville, Alabama

Dr. Taylor Cash, Director of Bands at Albertville High School, led his “Aggie” Band down Colorado Blvd. during the 2024 Tournament of Roses Parade. Photo credit: Dr. Tay,or Cash

Also appearing in this year’s parade was the Albertville High School Aggie Band from Albertville, Alabama, led by Director of Bands Dr. Taylor Cash. This is the third appearance for the 340-member Aggie Band, Color Guard, and Danceline. They group also appeared in the 2011 and the 2018 parades. This amazing group is comprised of 25% of their school’s population. Any student at the school is welcome in the band program, no matter their musical background or ability.

Music educator Taylor Cash earned his Bachelor’s degree in Music Education, magna cum laude, from Jacksonville State University and his Master’s degree in Music Education from Boston University. He earned his PhD in Musical Arts specializing in Wind Conducting from the University of Alabama.

Return to chalkboardchampions.org tomorrow for the next installment of music educators who  led their students to the 2024 Tournament of Roses Parade!