Rose Parade comments received from spectators

(The following two letters were received via the SABD online form)

Dear Advisory Team:

Thank you so much for helping with the creation of the Band Director’s Band. As a retired band teacher (42 years full time, 7 more part time, it absolutely sent thrills down my spine when I watched this band. I have been a Funky Winkerbean follower for many years and I followed his preparation, not realizing this was something that was actually real and a “once in a lifetime” event. Please have it again and somehow I want to know if it does happen (I will believe Funky from now on). Although I just turned 77, I would love to participate if possible. I have two retired band director buddies who said they would love to participate—they only have 41 years and 30 years total teaching. We still play our instruments on a regular basis. I have played in the Tacoma Concert Band since it was founded 41 years ago and I play in Brass Band Tacoma.” Thanks again for creating this wonderful band. It was spectacular to watch and the highlight of the season for me.
Jim Hunt, Puyallup Washington retired band director 

What a great day for all of you! I just loved watching (and listening to) fellow band directors on TV in the Rose Parade this morning. WOW!! What a super job! A big congratulations to one and all. I was a high school band director in Texas, starting in 1972. However, during summer breaks from my directing duties in a San Antonio school in the 1980s, I taught the flag line for the award winning Clovis H.S. Wildcat Band (New Mexico). It had always been a dream of mine to march in the Rose Parade someday, hopefully with my own band, but my dream came true when I marched as flag director with Clovis in the 1991 Parade! (just 31 years ago) Watching all of you march this morning brought back so many, many wonderful memories. Plus, knowing all of you are fellow directors, well, I tell you I had the tissues ready. I know you all are pretty weary tonight, but as I remember, it was a wonderful kind of tired feeling. Again, congratulations on your performance.

Nancy Clayton

This was one of the best parts of today's Tournament of Roses Parade! Serving as the honor guard for the float, then marching down the Parade route with such precision! Absolutely fabulous! Band directors know how to do it, and watching them march perfectly, columns perfectly straight, every line in sync with the other. Beautiful to watch. Whoever thought of doing something like this is a genius…and long overdue! All of the band directors who had many hours of practice, months before the Parade, deserve recognition for their determination, professionalism and drive to be the best!! Congratulations all!! BRAVO!!

Yvonne Spaulding

Very impressive, these guys know how to play and march! That is a great sound and their float is awesome! Band was my favorite class and I loved being a girl drummer back in the early 60's; there weren't too many around. 

Carolyn Simmons

They were absolutely the best! I felt the crowd truly appreciated their efforts. Whomever financed this is a saint. 

Nancy Johnson Borota

Well done! Congratulations!!!

Ruth Semmel Guldin

I enjoyed my high school band days. But it started with the junior high director, Mrs. Ohlendorf, a very great lady who had an impact on a lot of students

Linda Massey

That was so excellent. Great

Linda Rice

This was one of the highlight of the parade for me! Yayyyy band directors!!!

Camille Wilson White

Best three minutes of the whole parade.

Helen Dupes

So happy we had the opportunity to see this wonderful Rose Parade, a once in a lifetime trip! Wonderful bands & thanks to all the band directors in the USA!!

Jane Skip Hance

That was so excellent. Great performance.

Linda Rice

This was so awesome! My favorite part of the parade!!

Helen Smith Price

I think that was a super smart thing to do. They deserve the recognition and opportunity to be heard. Long time coming!

Carol Luzak

Way to go Steve Brown from Nashville High. Great instructor and leader for our students!!!

Gloria Siliven Hente Schaeffer

Best part of the parade

Jill Hershberger

Well done!

Gwen Richardson Worrell

My favorite part of the parade! Wish the Super Bowl half-timeshows were more like this.

Dena Elizabeth Berry

I'm not a "band geek" but this band was my favorite thing in the parade!

All band & musical directors. How awesome. Well played (literally!)

Christy Williford

Fantastic! So classy and professional.

Gail McLean

Best in the whole parade!

Kay Clark

Such a great float and music!!

Jeanine Kay McMann

I loved the marching band.

Kathleen Rhodes

It was so wonderful!! I cried!

Cheryl Mills

Band: best "class" ever!!!

Kathy Loynachan

Wow. Was great to see a line of those "deep snares " that were used during the 60s by most high schools.…and then along came the 3-set tom-toms; they never had the same sound or impact....just my opinion.

Earl White

How amazing! Lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. So proud of them!

Cheryl Barton

If you have ever wondered how the music directors would sound, here is your chance. Super job!

Margaret Cowell

Remembering Louie Romano right now with love!

Priscilla Mulligan

This is the greatest presentation of professionalism on public display. These people represent all the heroes of music education.

Priscilla Mulligan

They were awesome!!

Janet Virgilio Chastain

So awesome!!! Love this!!!

Susan Zartman

I wonder who thought of this? What a great idea! Good to know that Michael's work is

being recognized.

Evan Becker

Fans of the Funky Winkerbean comic strip probably know that Harry L. Dinkle, the

self-described "World's Greatest Band Director" was invited too.

Don-Rosemary Davis

That was awesome!!

Karen Went Wynne

WOW! I got goosebumps. Even better than The Best Damn Band in the Land. Take that OSU!!

Victoria Smith

Loved it! Wished I was in the trombone section.

Ruth Holden

They were amazing!!!

Kelley Poedtke

That was awesome!!

Karen Went Wynne

I can't even imagine the planning and coordination it took to make this happen. What a wonderful idea.

Sandy Warnas Valadez

That is the best!!

Duane Ring

Is there some way to see the

participants of this performance?

Loretta Constable

This was FABULOUS!!!'

Tina Luker-Haigh

Absolutely beautiful! Amazing.

Marilyn Wilcox

I loved seeing that!

Carol Regner Bohmbach

This band and float just made my new year. What an unexpected surprise.

Steven Buzzard

Loved this!!!!

Susie Bolinaer

When on earth do they ever get together to practice?

Eleanor Herring Berger Guilmain

Gary Tollefso, your dad would love this.

LD Campbell