The Saluting America’s Band Directors project assembled band directors from across North America to march in the Pasadena Rose Parade Jan. 1, 2026 under the theme, “America’s band directors: We teach music. We teach life.”

Matthew Parunak, who is co-director of bands and a private lessons teacher at Ravenscroft, was selected to join the Band Directors Marching Band in the Pasadena Rose Parade® on Jan. 1, 2026. The band, made up of more than 300 band directors from across North America, accompanied a colorful, animated float along the 5.5-mile parade route.

The Saluting America’s Band Directors parade entry conveyed the theme, “America’s band directors: We teach music. We teach life.” to recognize the extraordinary dedication and accomplishments of band directors and music educators everywhere. Throughout their careers, the music educators in this band have collectively mentored and taught hundreds of thousands of students. 

“It was a thrill to play alongside 30 other tubas in an ensemble made up of fellow music educators from across the country,” Parunak said. “I was proud to represent Ravenscroft and the state of North Carolina on this international stage.”

The band was directed by nationally known music educator and innovative band director Jon Waters, who also led rehearsals and other performances of the band while in Pasadena.

The sponsoring organization behind the Saluting America’s Band Directors project was the Michael D. Sewell Memorial Foundation, based in Pickerington, Ohio. The foundation was created to recognize and carry on the work of the late Mike Sewell, who dedicated his life to the school and community music programs in Pickerington and the Central Ohio area for nearly 40 years.