Over 200 Pella students will experience a once-in-a-lifetime experience this winter–a walk down Colorado Boulevard during the 2022 Pasadena Tournament of Roses parade. The Marching Dutch officially received this honor this May and have been preparing for the trip since the news broke. 

To be selected for the parade, bands must send in a video application with clips from both a field show and parade marching. Pella was selected for the third time in school history, the most of any band in Iowa. 

Students are already very excited for the trip. Junior Levi Hansen is eager to reap the fruits of his labor this winter. “It’s gonna be a lot of hard work, but I’m excited to achieve greatness.”

The weeklong trip includes a trip to Disneyland, plenty of time on the beach, and a tour of the Warner Brothers Studio. The band has been hard at work perfecting this year’s show, Kiss From A Rose, which is stylized in honor of the Rose Parade. As things are starting to come together, students are optimistic about the band’s voyage west. 

“We have been working hard all year to make this happen, and I’m excited to spend the trip with my friends, ” notes VanZee.  Junior drum major Tess Hopkins echoes a similar sentiment. “There’s so much anticipation surrounding this trip. Soon, all our hard work will pay off.”

This incredible opportunity will  make this  winter one to remember. Make sure to tune into the Rose Parade broadcast and cheer on the Marching Dutch!