The Sound of Brownsburg has been selected to participate in the prestigious 2026 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California.
The Brownsburg marching band, a two-time Bands of America Grand National Championships finalist, and recipient of the John Phillip Sousa Foundation’s Sudler Shield Award in 2021, will proudly represent both the state of Indiana and the Brownsburg community on this national stage. This will not be the band’s first major national parade appearance; they previously marched in the 2021 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, further solidifying their place among the top high school marching bands in the nation.
The Tournament of Roses Parade, established in 1890, is one of the most iconic and long-standing traditions in the United States. Held in Pasadena on New Year’s Day, the parade is a celebration of the beauty and diversity of life, and it showcases some of the world’s finest musical and performance groups. Bands like The Sound of Brownsburg are selected through a highly competitive process, underscoring their exceptional talent and dedication.
Chris Kaflik, Director of Bands at Brownsburg High School, expressed his pride in the band’s accomplishments, “This invitation to perform in the Tournament of Roses Parade is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, staff, and families. Our success is greatly impacted by the strong support we receive from the Brownsburg Community School Corporation and our incredible local community. We are thrilled to represent Brownsburg and the state of Indiana on the national stage, and we look forward to showing the world what The Sound of Brownsburg can do.”
The Brownsburg Community School Corporation has been named a Best Community for Music Education by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM), recognizing the school district’s ongoing commitment to music education. This support has been instrumental in fostering the band’s growth and success.As the band prepares for this exciting opportunity, fundraising efforts are underway to help cover the costs associated with the trip to Pasadena. Community members and supporters are encouraged to contribute and help support the hard-working students who will represent Brownsburg on one of the world’s most prominent stages.