On Jan. 1, I marched in the Tournament of Roses parade in Pasadena, California: A fantastic week filled with smiles, new friendships, great music-making, and several visits to In-N-Out Burger.

This trip was made possible by Karen Sewell and the Michael D. Sewell Memorial Foundation as well as donations by the attending Band Directors.

Every band director was nominated and had to complete an audition procedure. I was nominated and received acceptance in March 2021. Not long after the itinerary was sent and four musical selections emailed to be memorized. There was encouragement offered to be in shape for the four long days of rehearsals and the 5 1/2 mile parade.

All the descriptions of what we as members would experience on this trip exceeded my expectations. There is almost no way to be prepared for the sensory overload (emotionally, mentality, and yes, physical). The start of the venture for me was like Marching Band Camp (or pre-season Drum Corps rehearsal). Rain for the first two days and then right into performance mode.

The week began on Wednesday, Dec. 29 meeting 280 members from all across the country and Mexico. A little rain (actually two days of pouring rain in a place that rarely sees it) didn’t stop the band from rehearsing for the week’s events. Some impromptu actions led to some rehearsals being held indoors at the hotel ballroom. We’re still sorry to all of the other hotel guests who might have heard the 280 energetic groups of musicians practicing until 9 p.m. Many of us joked that maybe we should charge the hotel guest an entertainment tax.

On Thursday, Dec. 30, we rehearsed at nearby Arcadia High School and their beautiful facilities for marching practice in ponchos. Several hours later we were back on the bus again on our way to Band Fest, a Rose Parade tradition of all the 20 marching bands that would be participating in the parade. We were featured at the Band Fest concert (along with all the bands from the parade) and received wonderful ovations. I got to hear a little of the combined west coast US Air Force Band (my military family). Our band performed “76 Trombones”, “Stars and Stripes Forever”, “Strike Up The Band”, and “Sing, Sing, Sing” which featured Alex Hahn, an award-winning saxophone soloist!

Later in the evening, we returned to our hotel for an evening banquet where band directors received a delicious meal and drinks, and surprise gifts from the foundation. All band directors received a custom printed baton, parade patch, medal, amongst some other cool memorabilia.

By Friday, we continued marching rehearsals (finally with sunny weather!) and then attended float fest where all of the floats get judged. The SABD Marching Band and Float received the prestigious “Showmanship Award” from the parade committee! What was unique about the SABD band was it was the first-ever band and float entry combined. The cost of the Band Director’s Float exceeded $350,000.00. To close out New Year’s Eve, the foundation offered continuing education sessions by Alfred Watkins, James Swearingen, and Ramon Rivera. Afterward, individual New Year’s celebrations commenced before an early bedtime. Yes, many of us toasted NYE a little early awaiting that 3:30 a.m. wake-up call.

Parade morning on New Year’s Day came up quickly, especially for those who stayed out a little later. We were soon standing in pre-parade staging eagerly awaiting step off. The pre-parade staging area was extremely interesting for me as someone who has produced and assisted with other parades. Helicopters, the Goodyear Blimp, and a B52 Stealth Bomber all in the sky above are before we even started the parade. Horses, bands, and floats. There were 20 Bands in the Parade all with 250-plus members.

As soon as our unit began, hundreds of thousands of people were already seen lining the streets ahead. Prior to the parade, each band member received their placement for the parade. I was extremely excited to be in the second row on the side (TV side). Marching through TV corners and down Colorado Boulevard was a memorable moment. People cheering and shouting “We love you band directors!” is something that many of us really needed to hear. When the spectators realized that we were all band directors, they cheered even louder. Many yelled loudly about their positive experiences in the band and their love for marching band. What a rewarding experience. Most of the spectators clapped along with the music.

People that had camped out to reserve their place on the route were pleased. Six miles of people by the thousands were excited to see and hear us. After the big TV area, some of the crowds were closer to the band and even offered water to the members.

I am so blessed to have been able to be a part of such a talented group of 280 music educators. This included both Drum Corps friends, band directors friends and four former Northern Illinois University students. The Rose Parade committee says they may want to do this again. I don’t know if I will do it again (I was the oldest marching member this year and don’t need to break that record.) But I would encourage any band director that is considering being a part of it to go for it. Both a thrill and honor.

The rewards of being a part of this are countless. Thank you for all of the encouraging comments and messages, especially from my friends and family. From starting my teaching career as the youngest university band director at NIU in the country to being the oldest musician in the parade, this begs to show people, age is only a number and you are never too young to believe or too old to dream. To my professional friends - a worthwhile dream; my military friends, shows we are never giving up; and to any senior citizen cohorts - don’t let age direct your life - live it. To all my DeKalb County friends, a pleasure to represent our community. And to my tourism family and friends. it was more fun doing it than watching it.

Throughout the past few years, teaching music has been quite challenging. We often find ourselves in constant reflection of what we do and the road ahead. A moment like this refueled the members marching as many of us were eager to return home and share our experiences with our own students, other directors and communities. The number of new stories, articles and features of our band directors spanned across the country shining a positive light on the craft that we so love to do. This experience was life-changing for many who only dreamed of this opportunity! We can only hope that a band director marching band will make a return! The next time you are asked, why did you choose to be a band director, it’s because “We teach music, we teach life!”

If you would like to see the Rose Parade and the pageantry of the floats and bands, I will be offering and escorting a Tour to the Rose Parade in 2023. Please contact me for information.

Michael Embrey

DeKalb (former NIU Marching Band Director)