The Davis High band has been given the opportunity to perform in the 2013 Rose Parade which has been going on since 1890.

“The Rose Parade is the most famous parade in the world and only 20 bands in the world are chosen, and only one band is chosen from the Midwestern states,” Band Director Steve Hendricks said.

Worldwide, the Rose Parade isn’t just a huge deal for bands worldwide but also for competitors for sporting events like ostrich racing, bronco demonstrations (bull fighting) and camel elephant races. The Rose Parade is an event that brings the world together for a common New Year’s celebration.

“In New York, people are buried in snow,” said Professor Charles F. Holder. “Here our flowers are blooming and our oranges are about to bear. Let’s hold a festival to tell the world about our paradise,” said at a club meeting for the Rose Bowl.

The Pasadena’s Valley Hunt Club began the Tournament of Roses to get the people of the East Coast to join in the winter California paradise. For each event and group they all have to get themselves ready for the tournament and the bands are given a year to prepare.

“We will mostly be practicing the same as we have been. During the summer we will practice every day for three hours and when it starts getting cold we will practice Thursdays,” Hendricks said.

In order to compete bands apply to enter into the Tournament of Roses and they are chosen depending on band competitions and other scored events.

“We apply and the Association decides on whether or not we are excepted,” said Hendricks.

The Davis High band has a whole year to prepare and all the band members are excited to compete in the Tournament of Roses starting in 2013.