This New Year’s Day, the Homeworrd Patriot Band from the city of Homewood in central Alabama will be marching in the 133rd Tournament of Roses Parade. The group will be led by Homewood Director of Bands Chris Cooper.

Founded in 1972, the Homewood Patriot Band is the largest high school band in the state of Alabama. The group is comprised of 395 members from grades 9 through 12. This will be the fifth appearance in the popular event for Homewood High School. In 1984, the group was the first band from Alabama to march in the parade.

Homewood High School Director of Bands Chris Cooper will lead his school’s marching band in the 133rd Rose Parade this year. Photo credit: Homewood High School.

Band Director Chris Cooper is in his 29th year of teaching and his first year the Director of Bands at Homewood High. He earned his Bachelor’s degree Music Education from Auburn University in 1993. While at Auburn, Chris was the percussion section leader for three years, an undergraduate assistant for one year, and the President of Phi Mu Alpha. Chris completed his Master’s degree in Music Education from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1996.

For his work was a music educator, Chris has earned many accolades. In 2014, he was honored as the Homewood Grown Impact Teacher of the Year by the Homewood City Schools Foundation of Education. In 2009, he was selected to be the guest clinician for the Association of China and Mongolia International schools Honor Band held in Tianjin, China. During his ten-day stay in Tianjin, China, Chris worked with several International Schools. In 2004, Mr. Cooper was named the Teacher of the Year at Homewood Middle School. In addition, he was one of eight finalists for the State of Alabama Secondary Teacher of the Year.

Currently Chris is an active band and percussion adjudicator throughout Southeastern United States. He has conducted over 30 middle school and junior high honor bands throughout the area.