The holiday season is upon us and our team here at Bob Rogers Travel is so thankful for another incredible year of taking students around the world, across the country and everywhere in between.
One of our absolute favorite ways to celebrate the holidays is our very own Thanksgiving Parade of Bands, a mass band event held every year in the beautiful Walt Disney World® Resort in Orlando, Florida.
We’ve hosted this exceptional event since 2009, hosting bands from across the country for expert-led clinics, fun with friends and a performance attended by none other than Mickey Mouse himself.
Learn From the Best
With more clinicians and fewer participants than any of the major bowl games, our Thanksgiving Parade of Bands (or TPOB, for short) gives students an opportunity like no other. Our TPOB performers work side by side with students from all over the nation, learning from noted collegiate instructors, DCI champions, professional musicians – and from each other.
The learning begins before students leave home, as each band will participate in a pre-trip clinic, led by a distinguished clinician. Once they arrive, performers will learn custom arrangements created exclusively for the event by Grammy-nominated composer Rick DeJonge. Bands also have the option to apply for a Disney Performing Arts Workshop, adding even more magic to the experience.
Shine on Main Street USA
For many student musicians, this performance will be the largest they’ve ever participated in. Thousands of guests will be watching, both in person and online via live webcast, as they march down Main Street USA in the heart of the Walt Disney World® Resort.
Amidst cheers from the audience, our performers take the stage in front of Cinderella’s Castle for a professionally-narrated performance alongside the amazing Presidio Brass quintet. This once-in-a-lifetime performance is a snapshot in time that these student musicians will remember for the rest of their lives.
“As someone who has participated in the Thanksgiving Parade of Bands three times, I can unequivocally say that your students will truly love this experience. It continues to be one of the most anticipated events of our members’ tenure in our marching band program.
“This event brings together groups from all over the country, allowing students to share the same passion for music which will be remembered for a lifetime.”
Anthony Svejda, Oak Park and River Forest High School, IL
Celebrate the Season
What could be more fun than spending Thanksgiving with your closest band friends in the Happiest Place on Earth? Students will make memories from one end of the park to the other, celebrating their hard work on thrilling rides, snapping selfies and munching on delicious treats. The trip culminates in an extravagant Thanksgiving dinner, awards ceremony and private performance by the Presidio Brass. Every year we have parents join us for the fun as well, making family memories alongside their students.
We’re counting down until this year’s Thanksgiving Parade of Bands and can’t wait to share the hard work of these wonderful student performers! To learn more about this extraordinary event, please visit our Thanksgiving Parade of Bands website for all the details. If your group is eager to kick off the holiday season with talented performers from across the country, don’t wait. This is an exclusive event and spots are limited, so apply early for our 2024 and 2025 events. We can’t wait to celebrate the season with you!
“The Bob Rogers Travel Thanksgiving Parade of Bands has been a highlight of our calendar since it started in 2009. Different from a standard parade performance in the parks, the Thanksgiving event gives our students the opportunity to be a part of a professionally-produced Disney attraction for thousands of spectators, complete with lights, fireworks, voiceovers, character appearances and the amazing Presidio Brass.
“Our kids get to work alongside other band students from around the country and learn from high-level collegiate instructors. And the Thanksgiving dinner and party is fantastic! This is the only way our band will go to Disney–an experience like no other.”
Max Chernick, Bloomington High School, IL
