The high school bands of Norwalk La Mirada Unified and ABC Unified will represent schools along the 605 Freeway at the 2025 Rose Parade. After the pandemic downsized their programs, they formed a unique composite band, the 605 All-Star Band, consisting of 407 students—360 in the marching band and 47 in the color guard. This will be one of the largest bands to march in the Rose Parade, featuring students from Artesia, Bellflower, Cerritos, Gahr, John Glenn, La Mirada, Mayfair and Norwalk high schools. The idea, conceived by Mayfair High’s band director Tom Philips before his 2025 retirement, involves separate rehearsals for musical practice and conditioning, with all schools coming together for the 136th Rose Parade – only the group’s second time together since the audition recording. Artesia, Bellflower, Cerritos, Hawaiian Gardens, La Mirada, Lakewood, Norwalk, California Director: Thomas Philips 605 ALL STAR BANDALL STAR MARCHING BAND MEXICOThe All Star Marching Band from Mexico is the largest and highest-ranked band in the country. The band is dedicated to uniting talented musicians from across Mexico and creating a unified sound. Due to the scarcity of university marching band programs in Mexico and the underdeveloped state of music education, the All Star Marching Band recruits talented high school graduates to assemble the best musicians from Mexican marching bands.Puebla, Mexico Director: Luis Alberto Mendoza Gomez BANDA DE MÚSICA HERBERTO LÓPEZ COLEGIO JOSÉ DANIEL CRESPOBanda de Música Herberto López Colegio José Daniel Crespo (JDC), the nation's largest school band, hails from Chitré, the smallest province in Panama. Founded in 1967 by the late Professor Herberto López, the first musical director, the band now bears his name in tribute to his dedication to Azuero's musical culture. Members aged 12-19 make up 10 percent of the school's student body and honor all regions of Panama by incorporating local music into their arrangements. JDC has marched in the Rose Parade twice, but only two percent of the current members, including the band director, have participated. Nearly 100 percent of the band will be visiting the United States for the first time.Chitré, Herrera, Panama Director: Irving Rodríguez BernalCFP QUARTERFINAL AT THE ROSE BOWL GAME PRESENTED BY PRUDENTIAL – THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY MARCHING BANDThe Ohio State University Marching Band earned its name as The Best Damn Band in the Land by developing many famous marching band innovations, including floating and animated formations, script writing, and the fast cadence with a high knee lift. The band’s Script Ohio is considered by many to be the most memorable tradition in college band history. Carrying on the tradition of excellence that dates back to the late 1800s, the 228-piece “Pride of the Buckeyes” is one of the few all-brass-and-percussion college bands in the U.S. and is acknowledged as the largest of its type in the world. An ensemble that includes student members from all over the country, the OSUMB strives to continue a legacy of hard work, determination and Buckeye pride while performing at Ohio State football games and other events during the fall semester.CFP QUARTERFINAL AT THE ROSE BOWL GAME PRESENTED BY PRUDENTIAL – UNIVERSITY OF OREGON MARCHING BANDThe University of Oregon Marching Band (“OMB”) is one of the largest student organizations on the U of O campus, currently supporting over 240 active participants from virtually every department and representing over 50 degree programs. Under the direction of Dr. Eric Wiltshire, the “Oregon Athletic Bands” include the Oregon Marching Band, the Oregon Basketball Band, the Green Garter Band, and the Yellow Garter Band. Dating back to 1908, the Athletic Bands are recognized university courses that require registration and award credits. The OMB has a professional staff that has worked with a wide variety of both collegiate and drum corps programs. Woodwinds, brass, drumline, color guard, rifle line, and a front ensemble perform corp-style programs for halftime performances. The experience OMB students receive serves their individual music education needs, develops their artistic expression, presents strong opportunities for leadership, and enhances their overall quality of time spent in the University atmosphere.FRESNO STATE BULLDOG MARCHING BANDThe Bulldog Marching Band is a key performance and entertainment group for Fresno State, Fresno State Athletics and the Central Valley of California. As the largest and most successful college marching band in California, it has been recognized by the College Band Directors National Association as one of the nation’s top eight college marching bands. The band includes members from every major at Fresno State. Established in 1926, it grew to over 200 members in the ‘80s and now boasts over 250 members. The Bulldog Marching Band is always embarking on new adventures, from performing in the 2023 St. Patrick's Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland, to celebrating the New Year’s Day at the Rose Parade for the second time.Fresno, California Director: Steve McKeithenHELSINGØR PIGEGARDE (ELSINORE GIRLS MARCHING BAND)From Denmark, the Helsingør Pigegarde (Elsinore Girls Marching Band) has been blending traditional military music with modern melodies since 1957. Performing at 60 to 80 events annually worldwide, the band has had only three leaders in nearly 65 years. After Major Hansen's influential 19-year tenure, Herdis and Karl Koudahl took over, shaping the band's direction until 2000. Leadership then smoothly transitioned to their daughter, Sanne Koudahl Bergsaker, ensuring the legacy continued. In Denmark, "hygge" (hyoo·guh) signifies a warm, communal togetherness and a cherished sense of comfort and belonging. The Elsinore Girls Marching Band embodies this spirit of "hygge" in their performances. "hygge" (hyoo·guh)—denoting a warm, communal togetherness and a cherished sense of comfort and belonging—is a cornerstone of cultural identity.Hornbaek, Denmark Director: Sanne BergsakerHOMESTEAD HIGH SCHOOL MIGHTY MUSTANG MARCHING BAND AND COLOR GUARDFounded in 1963, Homestead High School's award-winning Mighty Mustang Marching Band and Color Guard travel across California to perform in competitions and festivals, including the 2025 Rose Parade. The band has built a reputation for innovation and entertainment, adopting a modern drum corps approach in its shows and style. With contemporary and popular themes mixed with eclectic music, the band showcases a unique thematic style. Each year, members learn and perform a new show featuring fresh music, choreography, costumes and props. Unlike many distinguished high school bands, Homestead's 200-member marching band is open to all music students without requiring auditions. Notably, Apple founders Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak graduated from Homestead High in the 1970s.Cupertino, California Director: John BurnKYOTO TACHIBANA HIGH SCHOOL GREEN BANDFondly nicknamed “Orange Devils” (オレンジの悪魔), Kyoto Tachibana High School Concert Band (京都橘高等高校 吹奏楽部) was founded by Professor Hisashi Hiramatsu in 1961 with 16 members. Initially aimed at improving the girls’ health, it evolved into one of Japan's oldest female marching bands. The band has participated in various high-profile projects, including the 100th Summer Kōshien promotional song in 2018, a collaboration with J-Pop singer Kalen Anzai in 2019 and the soundtrack for the anime movie “Belle” in 2021. Their music is mostly Western, featuring gospel, big band classics, pop songs and Disney tunes. The band’s motto is “Full of Energy, Smiles and Dreams” (元気いっぱい！笑顔いっぱい！夢いっぱい!).Kyoto, Japan Director: Yutaka Kaneshiro LAUSD ALL DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL HONOR BANDSince its establishment in 1973, the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) All-District Honor Band has offered unparalleled musical excellence and community representation to over 14,000 students in the nation’s second-largest school district. Many music teachers began their careers in LAUSD and participated in the band during high school. The band, comprising over 300 students from 75 high schools, includes brass and percussion musicians, drum majors, shield carriers and tall flags. They have performed at national events such as NFL Super Bowl championships, MLB World Series games as well as with artists like Ringo Starr and Jon Batiste. The band’s uniforms feature the colors of America—red, white and blue—and the distinctive West Point-style military shako. Their performances inspire audiences with uplifting music and energy to kickstart the new year.Los Angeles, California Director: Anthony L. White PASADENA CITY COLLEGE HERALD TRUMPETSFor the 45th consecutive year, the Pasadena City College Herald Trumpets will proudly announce the Royal Court at the Rose Parade. This elite unit consists of nine trumpeters and one snare drummer, selected from PCC and more than 70 Southern California high school musicians. The PCC Herald Trumpets first appeared in the Rose Parade in 1930 and reformed as a unit in 1981, led by Director Kevin Brown since 1983. Beyond their annual Rose Parade appearance, they participate in other Tournament of Roses events throughout the year, including the Royal Court Announcement and the dawn flag raising at Tournament House on Parade morning. Their performances showcase precision and tradition, marking moments of celebration at the heart of the New Year's Day festivities.Pasadena, California Director: Kevin BrownPASADENA CITY COLLEGE TOURNAMENT OF ROSES HONOR BANDThe Pasadena City College (PCC) Tournament of Roses Honor Band, known as "The Official Band of the Tournament of Roses," has marched in the Rose Parade since 1930. Comprising members of the PCC Lancer Marching Band and select high school students from Southern California, the band's 225 spots are fiercely competitive, with more than 500 high school music students auditioning annually. The PCC Lancer Band also performs at prestigious events like the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Royal Court Announcement, the Pasadena Latino Heritage Parade and the Pasadena Black History Parade. Their achievements include appearing in ESPN commercials, featuring in a music video with Mariah Carey and performing on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.” Dressed in red military-style jackets adorned with the iconic Tournament of Roses logo, white pants, white shoes and red shakos with white plumes, the band entertains parade viewers with lively singing and dancing along the route.Pasadena, California Director: Kyle Luck PEBBLE HILLS HIGH SCHOOL SPARTAN MARCHING BANDMarching in sleek all-black uniforms with silver and teal accents, the Spartan Marching Band proudly represents Pebble Hills High School from El Paso, Texas. The band’s motto, "Excellence is an art achieved through training and habituation," resonates strongly. In just its 8th year, the band made history as the first group from the area to participate in the Rose Parade. With nearly 300 students, the band boasts a rich history of achievements, including recent advancements to the UIL 6A Texas State Marching Contest, an invitation for the flute choir to perform at the National Flute Association conference and participation in the Music For All National Festival in March 2024.El Paso, Texas Director: Maximo SierraRANCHO VERDE CRIMSON REGIMENTThe Rancho Verde band believes in empowering every student to succeed despite challenges, emphasizing opportunities and resources. Most students at Rancho Verde High School are first-generation graduates and will be first-generation college students. Located near March Air Force Reserve Base and Lake Perris, the future site of the 2028 Olympics, Rancho Verde is a Title I school known for its hardworking, family-oriented community. The band, one of Riverside County's largest competitive field bands, maintains strong ties to the military, with 25 percent of students having family in the armed forces. The band members represent a diverse collective, with eight different languages spoken at home. Over the last two decades, the band has grown significantly from a small 45-person ensemble in 2003 to more than 275 students today. While trophies fill the band room, the lifelong lessons learned in the process are invaluable.Moreno Valley, California Director: Honglac Hathuc SALESIANS OF DON BOSCO SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA HIGH SCHOOL BANDThe Salesians of Don Bosco Southern California High School Band celebrates the "Best Day Ever" with an impressive composite band. This ensemble brings together marching bands from local private schools in Los Angeles, California. President Ed Morales, an alumnus of one of the three high schools represented in the composite band—Don Bosco Technical Institute—is proud of this collaboration. Their shared commitment to musical excellence and community spirit promises an unforgettable performance. This initiative not only showcases the talent and dedication of these students but also highlights the unity of the Salesian educational institutions in Southern California.Rosemead, Bellflower, Boyle Heights/Los Angeles, California Directors: Sam Hankins, Ramon Villanueva and Richard MataSEMINOLE HIGH SCHOOL WARHAWK MARCHING BANDThe Seminole High School Warhawk Marching Band comes from a close-knit community in Seminole, a small city of 19,000 residents within the bustling Tampa Bay area. While some students prefer beach or fishing activities, band kids choose the marching band, sharing a passion for performance and camaraderie. In 2017, after Hurricane Irma, the band organized a city-wide block party for over 500 residents and linemen working tirelessly to restore power. More than half the city was without electricity for five days; this event, featuring the band's music, united the town and symbolized hope during recovery. The Warhawk Marching Band proudly represents their community's strength in the 2025 Rose Parade.Seminole, Florida Director: Gerard MadrinanTHE JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY "SONIC BOOM OF THE SOUTH"Fresh off their performance at the 2024 NFL Super Bowl LVIII halftime show with Usher and Alicia Keys, Jackson State's "Sonic Boom of the South" is proud to march in the 136th Rose Parade in their signature blue and white uniforms. The band started in the 1940s, comprising students from Jackson State College and Lanier High School under Mr. Kermit Holly, Sr.'s direction. Known for precise marching and a powerful big band sound, the "Sonic Boom" is often called "Hollywood’s Band of Choice," with numerous NFL/NBA halftime performances for the Atlanta Falcons, Detroit Lions, New Orleans Saints, Cincinnati Bengals and the 1991 NBA All-Star game. They also featured in a TV special for Motown's 30th Anniversary and the 34th NAACP Image Awards, with a guest performance by Cedric the Entertainer. The Jackson State University Program proudly brings its gravitas and boom to the 136th Rose Parade.Jackson, Mississippi Director: Dr. Roderick LittleTHE LINCOLN-WAY MARCHING BANDThe history of the Lincoln-Way Bands dates to the 1950s when there was just one high school in a small rural bedroom community in the south suburbs of Chicago. Over the years, one high school turned into two in 2002 and then into four in 2008. As students were reassigned to different schools by the district, the Lincoln-Way Marching Band became a central community fixture. This district marching band is made up of students from three Lincoln-Way High Schools spread across 105 square miles in the Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210, located in the south suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. The students attend Lincoln-Way Central, Lincoln-Way East and Lincoln-Way West High Schools and come from the communities of New Lenox, Manhattan, Mokena, Frankfort Square, Frankfort and Tinley Park. To honor the band's past, a logo featuring four pillars using the "L.W." and the four school colors—red, blue, gold and orange—was created. This band symbolizes the students' bravery and finding hope amidst change.Frankfort, Illinois Director: Bert Johnson THE NEW ENGLAND HONORS MARCHING BANDThe New England Honors Marching Band is a 200-piece ensemble representing the six New England states—Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Comprising the best high school and college musicians from 15 colleges, the band assembles less than a week before the 2025 Rose Parade. Donning uniforms reminiscent of the United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, they pay homage to the Continental Army of the American Revolution, with features like a medallion on the tricorn hat, metallic buttons, a decorative knee-cuff belt and a white vest. Led by Jon Waters, a director with extensive experience, including roles at Ohio State and Heidelberg University, the band boasts historical pride of the New England Colonies. This distinguished honors band, created specifically for the 2025 Rose Parade, showcases exceptional talent and dedication.Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine Director: Jon WatersTHE SALVATION ARMY TOURNAMENT OF ROSES BANDThe Salvation Army Tournament of Roses Band is celebrating its 103rd march down Colorado Boulevard in the Rose Parade. This year, they feature a “band within a band,” with special guest musicians from the Salvation Army Band of Bromley, a large town in Greater London, England. Comprised of Salvation Army musicians from across the United States, the band gathers for the first time during the week of the Rose Parade. With their marching Timbrellists and uplifting music, parade spectators can look forward to lively entertainment along the route. The Salvation Army music ministries offer participants a lifetime of fulfillment through musical excellence with a spiritual purpose.Carson, California Director: Evan FiguerasTHE UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING "WESTERN THUNDER" MARCHING BANDThe University of Wyoming "Western Thunder" Marching Band is the state's only college band, with students from nearly every academic major and representing 13 different states. A standout feature of their uniform is the custom-modified Resistol cowboy hats, branded with the initials of Western Thunder Marching Band, reflecting the cowboy and cowgirl culture of Wyoming. After years of director turnover and membership struggles, Joe Carver was hired in 2019 as the fourth director in five years. Now entering its fifth season under the longest consistent leadership in recent history, the band is eager to showcase the pride of Wyoming. The University of Wyoming serves as the cultural center for music education, offering numerous in-reach and outreach opportunities to engage with the community and the state.Laramie, Wyoming Director: Joe CarverTHE UNITED STATES NAVY BANDEstablished in 1775, the United States Navy marks 250 years of defending freedom and safeguarding America’s interests worldwide. Leading the nation in commemorating this significant milestone, the United States Navy Band—founded in 1925 and based in Washington, D.C.—has built a distinguished reputation for its musical excellence and professionalism. With a mission to inspire patriotism, strengthen connections with Americans, and reinforce partnerships with allies, the Navy Band serves as the premier musical organization of the U.S. Navy. Performing across the United States and internationally, the band’s diverse ensembles, including ceremonial, concert, jazz, country and chamber groups, demonstrate their world-class talent at hundreds of events each year, from national ceremonies and public concerts to international tours. As one of the world’s most respected maritime forces, the Navy Band exemplifies the Navy’s role in ensuring national security, promoting global stability, and advancing freedom, upholding its core values of honor, courage and commitment.Washington, D.C. Director: Capt. Robert "Seph" Coats - Commanding OfficerUNITED STATES MARINE CORPS WEST COAST COMPOSITE BANDThe United States Marine Corps West Coast Composite Band is a combined military band featuring U.S. Marines from the 1st Marine Division Band, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band and Marine Band San Diego. Clad in dress blue uniforms, these Marine musicians are fully combat trained, with many having completed overseas tours. Becoming a musician in the Marine Corps involves a rigorous audition process and additional schooling. Although these bands individually perform over 300 times a year, the Rose Parade is the only event that brings these elite musicians together. Gunnery Sergeant Wesley Hayes serves as the drum major for the United States Marine Corps West Coast Composite Band.San Diego and Camp Pendleton, California Director: Gunnery Sergeant Wesley Hayes U.S. ARMY - THE UNITED STATES ARMY OLD GUARD FIFE AND DRUM CORPSThe United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps is the only unit of its kind in the armed forces and is part of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard). The musicians of this unit recall the days of the American Revolution as they perform in uniforms patterned after those worn by the musicians of General George Washington's Continental Army. The uniforms worn by the members of the Corps are dated circa 1784, and consist of black tricorn hats, white wigs, waistcoats, colonial coveralls, and distinct red regimental coats. As an official representative of the U.S. Army, the Corps averages approximately 500 performances annually. The Corps has entertained millions of people in major parades, pageants, and historical celebrations throughout the United States; and has served America as a goodwill ambassador around the world. The Corps has performed at major sporting events including NCAA bowl games, NBA games, NFL games including Super Bowl XVI, the Kentucky Derby, the Indianapolis 500, and the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid NY.Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Virginia Director: CW3 Benjamin "Mac" McMillan - Commander
