(Insert) Terry Madigan, President of the 2027 Tournament of Roses, making the surprise announcement. Background: PUSD All Star Band ToR Parade Submission (Photos – W.K., KLRN)
Cheers erupted inside the Pasadena High School auditorium as students from across the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) learned during a surprise assembly that their All-Star Band has been selected to perform in the 2027 Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade, the first time in decades the district has secured a spot through the internationally competitive application process.
By Rena Kurlander
The Pasadena Unified School District and the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association jointly announced on Wednesday evening, September 3, 2025, the district’s historic return to one of the world’s most-watched parades.
“We couldn’t be happier to have the chance to welcome the Pasadena Unified All-Star Band to the 2027 Rose Parade,” said Terry Madigan, President of the 2027 Tournament of Roses. “To recognize our hometown band after what we’ve been through as a city in the last 8 months — it warms my heart.”
In a videotaped message shared with band officials earlier this year, Madigan described the selection process:
“Each year, we host more than 5,000 band members from across the country and around the world to determine who will be invited the following year,” he said. “We’ve spent months reviewing applications, résumés, and videos, and frankly, we’ve been impressed with your musicality.”
The All-Star Band, a 120-member ensemble representing all PUSD high schools, includes four drum majors: Scarlett Glick (Pasadena High), Oscar O’Connor (Blair), Sareen Boschetti (Marshall), and Brianna Miguel (Muir). PUSD had previously appeared in the parade as a special entry with 42 student musicians, but this marks the first time in recent memory that the district has earned an official musical entry through the rigorous, year-long application process.
“This is a testament to the strength and excellence of PUSD’s music program,” said Karen Anderson, who introduced district staff during the event. “These students are absolutely amazing.”
Pasadena Unified Board President Jennifer Hall Lee echoed that sentiment: “I am so excited about the PUSD All-Star Band performing in the 2027 Rose Parade. But I’m not surprised, these kids are so amazing, so talented, and so hard-working. I cannot wait to see them in the parade.”
District leaders and Tournament of Roses officials attended the assembly, including Chief Academic Officer Helen Chan Hill, Board President Jennifer Hall Lee, and 2027 Parade Chair Rush Cervantes, along with several members of the Tournament’s Music Committee and PUSD high school principals.
To celebrate the announcement, students, families, and attendees enjoyed cake following the event.
The 2027 Rose Parade will place PUSD students on a global stage, showcasing the talent and dedication of the district’s young musicians, and giving Pasadena a hometown ensemble to cheer for on New Year’s Day.
The announcement was made jointly by the Pasadena Unified School District and the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association on Wednesday evening, September 3, 2025 (Photo – W.K.)
Students, families, and attendees enjoyed cake following the event (Photo – W.K.)
> Watch the PUSD All Star Band ToR Parade Submission Video:
My Alma Mater! This is wonderful news.
Congratulations young scholars of music!
Wow!