605 All Star Band among inaugural recipients of Rose Parade band grants
PASADENA — The Pasadena Tournament of Roses has announced the recipients of its inaugural band grants, awarding a total of $27,600 to assist high school marching bands in covering equipment, preparation, and travel expenses for the 2025 Rose Parade.
Among the recipients is the 605 All Star Band, a 500-member composite band that draws from eight high schools across Southern California’s 605 corridor.
Representing seven cities and three school districts, the band is a collective of musicians from Artesia, Bellflower, Cerritos, Hawaiian Gardens, La Mirada, Lakewood, and Norwalk. The 605 All Star Band is noted for bringing together students from diverse communities to showcase their musical talent on a prestigious national stage.
Joining them on the list of grant recipients are the Salesians of Don Bosco Southern California High School Band, representing Rosemead, Boyle Heights, and Bellflower, as well as the Los Angeles Unified School District All District High School Honor Band, Pebble Hills High School Spartan Marching Band from El Paso, Texas, and the Seminole High School Warhawk Marching Band from Seminole, Florida.
The grants aim to emphasize the importance of marching bands and music education in the Rose Parade, helping ensure that the highest quality bands and talented students can continue to participate. For many bands, the costs of travel and preparation can be considerable. According to Tournament of Roses President Ed Morales, while the organization does not charge a participation fee, expenses can range from $2,500 to $5,000 per student, leading bands to fundraise extensively to finance their journey to Pasadena.
“Marching bands are, and will always be, an essential part of the Rose Parade,” Morales said. “As I’ve traveled across the U.S. and beyond, I’ve seen the excitement of students eager to perform, but I’ve also come to understand the financial hurdles they face. We understand that the grants don’t eliminate those hurdles, but we hope they make the road to Pasadena a little smoother for these valued Parade participants.”
In addition to the bands, three individual band members, including a student from the 605 All Star Band, received grants to support their personal expenses. With nearly 20 bands comprising over 5,000 musicians set to perform in the upcoming Rose Parade, the financial support is expected to make a meaningful difference for participants.
The Rose Parade, presented by Honda, will take place on January 1, with bands traveling from across the U.S. and abroad to march down Pasadena’s storied streets, a tradition that attracts spectators and television audiences worldwide.