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 1 of a two-day series that features these accomplished music educators.
Rosemount High School Marching Band, Minnesota
One of the bands that appeared in the parade was the Rosemount High School Marching Band from Rosemount, Minnesota, under the direction of Leon Sieve. Leon joined the faculty of Rosemount High School in 2002. In all, his career as a music educator has spanned 30 years. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from South Dakota State University, Brookings, South Dakota in 1993. He earned his Master’s degree from the American Band College at Southern Oregon University in Ashland, Oregon in 2005. This is the second appearance in the Tournament of Roses Parade for this group, the largest competitive marching band in the state of Minnesota.
Vista Ridge High School Ranger Marching Band, Texas
The Vista Ridge High School Ranger Marching Band from Cedar Park, Texas, also appeared under the leadership of Director of Bands Bryan Christian. Bryan earned his Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Abilene Christian University in 1989. He earned his Master’s degree in Conducting and Clarinet Performance in 1991. A music educator for many years, he started teaching at Vista Ridge High School in 2003. Under his leadership, the Vista Ridge Band has performed at the Midwest International Band Clinic, received the Sudler Shield, were the 2018 UIL 6A State Marching Band Champions, were a 2021 Bands of America Grand Nationals Finalist.
Wisconsin Northwoods Marching Band
The Wisconsin Northwoods Marching Band from Minocqua, Wisconsin, also appeared in the parade under the direction of Antigo High School Director of Bands Austin Kappel, Wausau East Band Director of Bands Rob Perkins, and six other band directors. This group is a composite band of eight high schools located across north central Wisconsin. Students represented by the group include Lakeland High School, Northland Pines High School, Three Lakes High School, Merrill High School, Antigo High School, Wausau East High School, DC Everest High School, and Mosinee High School.
Rockford High School Marching Band, Michigan
One of the bands that appeared in this year’s parade was the Rockford Marching Band from Rockford, Michigan, under the expert leadership of Brian Phillips, Director of Bands at Rockford Public Schools. This group, which has won the Michigan state championship four times, is the largest competitive band in the state of Michigan, with nearly 275 students participating. More than 40% of these band students are also athletes. This is possible because instead of making students choose between athletics and marching band, the Brian limits their extra-curricular rehearsals so students can successfully participate in both.
