Local band directors to march in 2026 Rose Parade

The Saluting America’s Band Directors project has assembled directors from all 50 states plus Canada, Mexico and Panama to march in the 2026 Tournament of Roses Parade under the theme “We teach music. We teach life.”

Among the more than 350 directors selected is Emily Forbes Bowling, head band director at Southern Local High School.

Other Columbiana County directors joining the ensemble include Jennifer Mollenkopf and Kyle Zimmerman of East Palestine High School, Charles Miller of Columbiana High School and Eric Bable of Crestview High School. They will march Jan. 1 in Pasadena’s 5.5-mile Rose Parade, accompanying a colorful, animated float.

This is the third national appearance for the Band Directors Marching Band. The group first marched in the 2022 Rose Parade, with Mollenkopf and Bowling participating. When the band was invited to return for the 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Miller and Zimmerman joined. Bable will accompany the group for the first time in 2026.

While in California, directors will rehearse and perform at the Tournament of Roses Bandfest and take part in the float judging contest.

The ensemble is led by nationally known music educator Jon Waters and sponsored by the Michael D. Sewell Memorial Foundation of Pickerington, Ohio. The project recognizes the dedication and impact of music educators. Collectively, the participating directors have 5,493 years of teaching experience. Within the Columbiana County group, Zimmerman is in his third year, Miller in his 12th, Bable in his 14th, Bowling in her 26th and Mollenkopf in her 31st.

Nationwide, members are also contributing through the “Service Through Music” initiative. Locally, the Columbiana and East Palestine bands performed the SABD arrangement of “Amazing Grace” this fall in tribute to first responders. These efforts will be honored at a gala in Pasadena.

The parade airs at 11 a.m. Jan. 1 on NBC, ABC and RFD-TV and streams on platforms such as Peacock, Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV.