The Pella Marching Dutch has recently been accepted for the Tournament of Roses Parade, which will occur in Pasadena, California on January 2, 2023. The band submitted a video audition including film segments from their 2020 field show entitled “Stained Glass: A Light in Times of Darkness,” as well as recordings taken from marching in the 2021 Tulip Time Festival parades. The Marching Dutch is under the direction of Dameon Place, Gabe Schott, Jeff Robilliard, and Samuel Nau with colorguard director Rachael Wurr. 

This will be the band’s third time performing in the Tournament Of Roses Parade, including previous attendances in 1988 and 2003, making them the only band in Iowa to attend more than twice. They also have the opportunity to perform in California’s Disneyland and California Adventure during Disneyland March, as well as a field show performance at California’s “Bandfest.” 

The band received this honor after a very successful fall competition season, achieving top scores across competitions and winning multiple caption awards, including best overall drumline, best drum major, and best horn line. The band also received a division one rating at the IHSMA State Festival.

Place described what the upcoming year will look like for the band. 

“We will operate from August-October as we traditionally do, focusing on the field show and working to do well at the marching festivals we attend,” said Place. “What will look a little different is that we will alter the time between October and December to guarantee our preparedness for the parade and field show when we arrive in Pasadena.”

Place attributes hard work and dedication to the success of the Marching Dutch and the opportunities that this work has made possible. 

“The tradition of excellence, coupled with highly talented individuals allows the Marching Dutch to stand out from others,” said Place. “We have students who are committed to excellence and aren’t afraid to put in the work to maximize their talent.”