Wisconsin High School Band's Journey to the 2026 Rose Parade: A Story of Passion and Perseverance
The Greendale High School marching band is set to make history by performing in the 2026 Rose Parade, and one of its members, freshman flutist Ethan Bowe, is thrilled to be a part of it. But it wasn't just about the solo audition. Bowe's passion for music and dedication to the band have led him and his fellow students to this exciting opportunity.
The band, which consists of nearly 900 students, is a significant part of the high school's culture. Almost a quarter of the students are in the marching band, practicing every weekday during class and on Tuesday evenings, often in less-than-ideal conditions. Despite the challenges, Bowe and his teammates find joy and pride in their performance.
This won't be the first time Greendale's band has graced national television. They previously performed at the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade in 2016 and 2023 and even participated in the 2020 Rose Parade. Band director Tom Reifenburg has been instrumental in the group's success, leading them to 20 consecutive state championship titles.
The road to Los Angeles has been a challenging one, requiring the band to raise tens of thousands of dollars for the trip. However, donations from the community and across Wisconsin have ensured that every student can participate. The band members take pride in representing their state, and they incorporate a unique twist by adding a Wisconsin-inspired song to their parade performance.
Not all band members play instruments; some spin and flip flags in the color guard, while others sing. Sophomore Clara Svoboda, for instance, joined the band after being noticed by Reifenburg during a musical performance at the high school. He recognized her talent and invited her to join the band show.
The band's show this year is titled 'Snow Angel,' featuring songs from the movie 'Frozen,' classical pieces, and Beyonce's 'Halo.' Despite the nerves that come with performing, Svoboda finds solace in taking a deep breath and focusing on the task at hand.
The Rose Parade, which takes place before the college football Rose Bowl, runs from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Central time on January 1st. It promises to be a memorable experience for the band members, who will march in a parade formation and play NSYNC's 'Bye, Bye, Bye' for the duration of the event. The band's hard work and dedication have paid off, and they are excited to showcase their talent on a national stage.
