P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School senior Reid Roberts has been selected to perform in the Bands of America Honor Band at the 137th Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, on New Year’s Day.  

Roberts, who plays trumpet in the P.K. Yonge Blue Wave Marching Band, will join hundreds of performers from across the country in the national honor band. 

“Reid is a wonderful young man and an outstanding representative of the P.K. Yonge Band,” Robert Marski, P.K. Yonge marching band director, said in a press release. “This accomplishment truly reflects his dedication, talent, and the countless hours he has invested to reach this moment.” 

Roberts and the hundreds of other performers will spend a week in Southern California, where they will rehearse, perform at the Tournament of Roses Bandfest, take part in special activities and deliver a featured appearance in the Rose Parade.  

“Having had the privilege of marching in this iconic parade myself eleven years ago, I can say with certainty that it is a truly special experience—one Reid will carry with him for the rest of his life,” Marski said.  

The theme for this year’s Rose Parade is “The Magic in Teamwork.” The 5.5-mile procession is slated to begin at 8 a.m. PST and will feature floral floats, spirited marching bands and talented equestrian units, the release said. 

According to the release, Bands of America is a program of the nonprofit Music for All (MFA), “one of the nation’s largest and most influential organizations in support of active music making.” 

Richard Saucedo, composer, conductor and retired director of the national champion Carmel High School (IN) Marching Band, will direct the 2026 Bands of America Honor Band, with help from Dr. Melissa Gustafson-Hinds, director of bands at O’Fallon Township High School (IL). 

“To be part of this opportunity is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for students, and a testimony to their dedication to music,” Saucedo said in the release. “The Rose Parade is one of our country’s national pageantry treasures.”  

For more information about the parade and broadcast, visit https://tournamentofroses.com/.