Anaheim High School’s Colonist Band and Pageantry will march the Rose Parade in 2028 — the first in their school’s history to represent in the New Year’s Day celebration.
Read more Iran has suggested a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz in 7 days
The Rose Parade began in 1890, just nine years before Anaheim High opened to its first class. But the school has never participated in the pageant of flower-covered floats, equestrian units and marching bands — which apply from around the world for a spot in the lineup.
Some 20 bands are selected each year for the 5.5-mile march east along Colorado Boulevard.
Anaheim High’s ensemble of about 250 students will be the fourth Anaheim Unified High School District band to march in the parade, following Katella High, Magnolia High and Cypress High.
Longtime Anaheim High School Band Director Breysi Garcia and his students sent in their application to be a part of the parade in May.
Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association President Terri Madigan “sent us a video with our acceptance and our congratulations,” Garcia said, adding “it was in ‘The Bachelor’ style-theme, meaning that at the end it says, ‘Anaheim High School will you accept this rose?’
“And the kids just blew up as far as hugs and smiles and tears of joy and just jumping up and down,” Garcia said. “I’m very, very proud. It’s one of those things that we still almost can’t even believe it’s happening.”
Read more New Jersey governor asks her No. 2 to resign over ethics and sexual harassment violations
Breysi and fellow band director Julie Enciso are both Anaheim High School alums who’ve marched in the Rose Parade with separate ensembles.
“But now to take my entire students, my entire marching band to perform is truly a dream come true, and absolutely a full-circle moment,” Garcia said.
Anaheim High’s marching band and pageantry unit will spend the next year practicing the music, performances and parade route, including maneuvering the “very unusual and very challenging” 110-degree turn from Orange Grove onto Colorado Boulevard.
The group has performed at several events throughout Southern California, including at the nearby Anaheim Convention Center and the Disneyland Resort. But Breysi said he’s excited for the band to take the national stage.
“We always perform with a lot of pride because we are representing the school and have the honor of having the city and the school district name,” Garcia said.
“I think one of the things that the students are going to get out of this is understanding the scope of their representation.”
Read more Tony Hawk, Joe Walsh and Honk — some transportation facts