PASADENA, CA (WSAU) — Eight local high schools will be on display nationally on Monday when the Tournament of Roses Parade presented by Honda steps off in Pasadena thanks to efforts from the Director of this year’s event.
Amy Wainscott approached her Alma Mater Northland Pines High School several years ago to see if they were interested in being a part of the event. They were, but there was one small detail that concerned them.
A lack of numbers.
“But then I explained to them that I wanted to put together a composite band,” said Wainscott. “Made up of several schools in the area. They took that back to some of the band directors in the area, then moved it down a little bit to include Northcentral Wisconsin, and then they called us back and said we want to try this.”
Now a group of 430 students is ready to step off down Orange Grove and Colorado Boulevards, carrying all of the region with them. “They’re going to turn into the sunrise with 700,000 spectators lining the streets as they are marching. It’s going to be a crazy, beautiful day,” said Wainscott.
She also noted that while she was talking with WSAU News on Sunday a rainbow appeared over the mountains as she was driving. “That has to be a good sign, right?” she added.
RELATED: Eight Wisconsin Marching Bands Invited to 2023 Tournament of Roses Parade
The showcase has involved years of rehearsals and practice. The band played multiple local 4th of July parades over the past two years as test runs and met monthly for rehearsals before taking off for California and more practice time late last month.
Wainscott says the band will be following her vehicle so she will get to listen to them for the entire 5.5-mile route. They’ll be one of several bands from six different countries in the event, marching alongside about 40 floats and over a dozen equestrian units.
This is the first time an area of Wisconsin outside of Madison, Green Bay, or Milwaukee has been represented in the event. Wainscott adds that there are several other first-time entrants in the marching band category as well for this year’s showcase.
“[They’re] going to have a full day of Pasadena. The sunshine, the roses, all of our natural materials. I hope everyone tunes in and enjoy seeing what Pasadena is all about,” added Wainscott.
The event is followed by the playing of the Rose Bowl Game Presented by Prudential featuring Penn State against Utah.
