There’s nothing like those final moments of anticipation before your marching band steps onto a world-famous parade route. The months of rehearsal, the fundraisers, the crisp new uniforms – it’s all led to this. Your student performers take one last deep breath, rise to meet the moment and then … it’s showtime.
It’s our privilege to partner with some of the most talented marching bands in the country to plan every detail of their major parade, event and festival experiences. Performance travel is always life-changing, but the experience of performing in one of the most highly anticipated events of the year is something else entirely.
These experiences involve much more than your yearly band trip. It’s essential that you work with an expert who understands the event inside and out, so you can focus exclusively on preparing your students and the music they’ll share.
We’ve walked every parade route, scoped every stage and know the best places in each city to stay, eat and celebrate. While the big event is the highlight of your trip, your students will be making memories all along the way. Here’s what they’ll love in each experience:
Tournament of Roses Parade
A beautiful way to ring in the new year, the Tournament of Roses Parade is one of the most storied parades in the country. Floats constructed entirely of flowers, flanked by the best bands in the country, make their way down sunny Colorado Boulevard in historic Pasadena, as a TV audience of over 50 million takes it all in.
Highlights & Options
- Experience Bandfest at Pasadena City College – a high-energy show featuring all parade participants
- Spend a day of fun, performances and clinics at the Disneyland® Resort
- Have a Hollywood moment on the Walk of Fame
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
For many, the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade signifies the start of the holiday season. Watched by millions on the streets of New York City, and almost 30 million more on TV, the parade features star-powered performances, celebrity guests and the famous balloon characters. (Some are over five stories tall!)
Highlights & Options
- Take in a Broadway show or the Christmas Spectacular starring the Radio City Rockettes
- Visit New York City’s world-famous museums and attractions
- Snap a Times Square selfie with friends and family
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin is the most vibrant celebration of this special day on the planet, and a bucket-list event for people around the world.
This once-in-a-lifetime experience is beloved by student performers and directors alike, combining everything we love about international student travel – performing for enthusiastic audiences, experiencing a new culture and making lifelong memories.
Highlights & Options
- Explore historic Belfast, Kilkenny and Galway City
- Stand on the edge of the world at the Cliffs of Moher
- Take advantage of additional performance opportunities in Limerick (St. Patrick’s Festival and International Band Championship) and Cork (St. Patrick’s Day Festival and Parade)
In recent years, Bob Rogers Travel has escorted over 50 marching bands to the Tournament of Roses Parade, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin. If these elite events are on your radar, please reach out to us today – we’d be honored to design a customized itinerary that’s perfect for your program.
And we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention one more special event…
Bob Rogers Travel Thanksgiving Parade of Bands
The Thanksgiving Parade of Bands was developed in partnership with our friends at Disney Imagination Campus back in 2007. This original event offers an incredible performing experience in one of the most sought-after performance destinations in the country.
Your students will learn from expert clinicians, collaborate with bands from around the country, enjoy a celebratory Thanksgiving dinner and perform in the Happiest Place on Earth!
Highlights
- Perform with the Gateways Brass Collective, professional narration and an appearance by Mickey Mouse
- Play custom arrangements created exclusively for you by Grammy-nominated composer Rick DeJonge
- Enjoy a Disney day packed with rides, shows and Insta-worthy snacks
Wherever your marching band is looking to shine, it all starts with a single conversation. Reach out today and let’s chat about what’s next for your student performers.
