Pickerington Marching Bands Invited to 2028 Tournament of Roses Parade

Historic Sixth Appearance Continues a Pickerington Tradition Dating Back to 1993

What started as an evening celebrating marching bands from across the region ended with an unforgettable surprise for the Pickerington Central and Pickerington North Marching Bands.

During Saturday night's Pickerington Band Festival, students from both bands were surprised with an invitation to perform in the 2028 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California. The invitation was delivered through a special video message from 2028 Tournament of Roses President Pam Knapp. As the students celebrated the news, each received a red rose marking their invitation to take part in one of the nation's most iconic parades.

WATCH video of the surprise invitation and the Pickerington Bands performing at Saturday’s festival. 

“Receiving this invitation is an incredible honor for our students, directors, and the entire Pickerington community,” said Music Coordinator/Band Director Marc Parulekar. “Returning to Pasadena for a historic sixth time is a testament to the decades of dedication, hard work, and musical excellence that define our band program. Marching down Colorado Boulevard is a life-changing experience, and we are thrilled to begin this journey together as a unified Pickerington team.”

The January 1, 2028, parade will mark the sixth Tournament of Roses Parade appearance for the Pickerington Bands. Previous appearances took place in 1993, 1997, 2006, 2010 and 2019.

The invitation also continues a remarkable tradition within the Pickerington music community. More than two dozen current Pickerington Local Schools music and school staff members have previously participated in a Tournament of Roses Parade as students, directors or collegiate band members.

For some members of the current band staff, the 2028 appearance will make the occasion especially meaningful.

Pickerington High School North Director Matthew Guirreri served as a field commander when the Pickerington Bands performed in the 1997 Rose Parade. Now in his first year as head director at North, he will return to Pasadena alongside a new generation of Pickerington musicians.

The 2028 parade will also be a family affair for both high school band directors. Pickerington High School Central Director Nathan Stowe will have both of his children, Claire, a horn/mellophone player, and Eli, a trombone player, performing in the parade. Guirreri's children will also participate, with Johnny performing on tuba and Mia serving as a banner carrier.

The Pickerington Bands now have more than a year to prepare for their return to Pasadena, including coordinating schedules, fundraising and travel arrangements.

For the students who received their invitation Saturday night, however, the journey has already begun. The Pickerington Bands are going back to the Rose Parade.