The Tournament of Roses Parade has always been a celebration of music, community and resilience. And in 2026, that celebration will be even more meaningful with the return of a special group: the Band Directors Marching Band. The group represents more than 400 music educators from across the U.S. — and even Mexico — many of whom have dreamed their whole careers of marching in Pasadena. "They have such a great message and they’re great musically,” said Mark Leavens, president and board chair of the Tournament of Roses Parade. He visited 10TV Tuesday morning before officially inviting the Band Directors to participate. “We had them in the parade back in 2022, and they were one of the highlights of the entire event. We’re thrilled to welcome them back." Leading this national group of music educators is Jon Waters, former director of The Ohio State University Marching Band and now director of the Falcon Marching Band at Bowling Green State University. But how do you manage 450 band directors, each used to being the one in charge? "Imagine 450 Type A personalities,” Waters told 10TV’s Angela An with a chuckle. “I tell them, ‘We’ll take care of the buses and the food. You’re just kids in the band again.’ And they love that," he said. Many in central Ohio may not realize that this band exists because of a beloved local director who passed away unexpectedly in 2017. Mike Sewell taught band in Pickerington in 1981 until his retirement two years before he died. Under Mikes direction, the Marching Tigers performed for six NFL teams halftimes, five presidents and appeared in the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade, The Dallas Cotton Bowl Parade, the Orange Bowl Parade and the Miss America Scholarship Parade. The band was selected to the Phoenix Fiesta Bowl Parade, Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade and The Tournament of Roses Parade four times. He was honored by the Tournament of Roses in 2014 for the most appearances (four) by an Ohio band. Soon after Sewell’s passing, his wife Karen and friends created the Saluting America’s Band Directors and the Band Directors Marching Band. "I worked with Mike when I served on the Tournament’s music committee. He would call me late at night, out he’s out in the snow marching with his band,” Leavens recalled. “His wife Karen is really the driving force behind this band [Band Directors Marching Band]. For my wife and me, it’s personal to welcome them back." Of course, no visit to Pasadena would be complete without talking about football. Big changes are ahead with the college football playoffs—and the Rose Bowl is right in the middle of it. "We know what 2026 looks like with the quarterfinal game, but 2027 and beyond? Still being worked out. But we’re hopeful bowl games will remain an integral part of the playoff process,” Leavens said. He also talked about how the 2026 Rose Parade will include moments to recognize the survivors and heroes of the devastating wildfires that destroyed over 9,000 structures earlier this year. "Recovery will be a big part of our message. You’ll see it in floral floats, performances and special moments throughout the parade," he explained. This year’s parade theme is “magic in teamwork.” The Tournament created a unique patch display featuring logos from every marching band taking part in the 2026 parade – including a band from Japan, the US Marine Corps Band, and nearly two dozen others. “This patch represents all of that hard work and dedication to music education," Waters added. The 2026 Tournament of Roses Parade will take place January 1, 2026, in Pasadena, California. The Tournament is also hosting the 2025-26 College Football Playoff Quarterfinals. AI was a contributing writer to this article.