My last two posts have been a tribute to music educators who have led their student musicians in the 135th Tournament of Roses Parade held on January 1, 2024. Here is Part 3 of a multi-day series that features some of these accomplished music educators.

Niceville Eagle Pride Marching Band: Niceville, Florida

The Niceville High School Eagle Pride Marching Band, led by Director of Bands Dan Wooten, traveled from the panhandle of Florida to represent their state in this year’s parade. This is the third appearance the 300-member Niceville Marching Band has made in the Rose Parade under Dan’s leadership.

Director of Bands Dan Wooten led his students from Niceville High School in Niceville, Florida, in the Tournament of Roses Parade. Photo credit: Emerald Coast Magazine

Dan has worked as a music educator for more than four decades, and he has taught at Niceville since 2003. In addition to his work in the classroom, he has performed with the Louisville Orchestra, the Kentuckiana Brass and Percussion Ensemble, the Cincinnati Community Orchestra, the Pensacola Opera Orchestra, and the Pensacola Symphony. He has been a guest conductor and clinician nationwide and is sought after as a consultant for both marching and concert Bands.

For his work with students, Dan has earned many accolades. In 2016, he was named to the Legion of Honor by the John Philip Sousa Foundation. He has also been awarded the National Band Association’s Citation of Excellence and Niceville High School Teacher of the Year.

Pulaski High School Marching Band: Pulaski, Wisconsin

The Pulaski High School Red Raider Marching Band performed in the Tournament of Roses Parade under the guidance of Director of Bands D. Thomas Busch. This is the fourth appearance the Wisconsin school band—which boasts 260 members—has appeared in the Rose Parade. They previously appeared in 2007, 2012, and 2017.

D. Thomas Busch, Director of Bands for the Pulaski High School Red Raiders Marching Band, led his music students in the 135th Rose Parade on January 1, 2024. Photo credit: Pulaski Community School District

The Red Raiders have a reputation as a high stepping marching band that uses choreography, chant, and singing related to the music they are performing. They use a variety of steps, including glide, kick, power, dance, spin, Latin, and wedding, in their routines.

In a career that spans more than 33 years, D. Thomas Busch has been a music educator at Pulaski since 1994. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin, Green Bay, in 1990. He earned his Master’s degree in Music Education from Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 2004.

This Chalkboard Champion has earned several awards for his work with students. He garnered a Herb Kohl Fellowship in 1992 and was named a Teacher of Distinction for the Golden Apple Award Program in 2004.

William Mason High School Marching Band: Mason, Ohio

Marching Band Director Jason Sleppy led his 300-member Mason High School Comets Marching Band in the Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year’s Day. This is the group’s second appearance in the prestigious parade; their first was in 2016.

The Mason Band program has garnered many accolades for their performances. They garnered both the Sudler Flag of Honor and the Sudler Shield from the John Philip Sousa Foundation. The group has earned six consecutive Bands of America (BOA) Grand National Finals appearances; five BOA Regional Championships, and they marched in the 2016 Tournament of Roses Parade.

Mason High School Marching Band Director Jason Sleppy led his students in this year’s Tournament of Roses Parade. Photo credit: Jason Sleppy

Jason Sleppy has worked as a music educator at Mason High School since 2018. He is a graduate of Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, where. he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Music Education in 2008.

In 2004, Jason performed in the snareline with the Glassmen Drum & Bugle Corps. In addition, Jason was recognized nationally as part of the “Yamaha 40 Under 40 Music Education Advocacy Program.” The honor was bestowed for his efforts to provide students with opportunities to safely perform during the pandemic.