Tag: 2016

Live on Green is back! with the USAF, LA Rams, fun, and entertainment

On: By: LBM
USAF Color Guard at Live on Green 2015. c.LBM2015
USAF Color Guard at Live on Green 2015. c.LBM2015

by Laura Berthold Monteros

Last year’s debut Live on Green event entertained more than 30,000 people in the days before the Rose Parade. It’s back, bigger and more spectacular for 2016, with the largest display ever of Air Force equipment, technology, and memorabilia under one roof. The occasion is the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the United States Air Force. The centerpiece will be the latest stealth aircraft, the F-35A, which just started operation in August. The plane will be dismantled and boxed up, to be reassembled in the Pasadena Convention Center. It will be accompanied by an F-16 jet.

For two great videos about the F-35A, watch this from LockheedMartin and this from Fox.

Live on Green is a free family festival held at the Pasadena Convention Center complex, 300 E. Green St. on Dec. 30 and 31, 2016 (9 a.m.-4 p.m.) and Jan. 1, 2017 (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.). The 128th Tournament of Roses is on Monday, Jan. 2 due to the “Never on Sunday” rule. It’s a fun place for locals and out-of-towners to find entertainment, activities, information, and good food at a decent price. It’s put together by Huerta Quorum (HQ) with support from commercial sponsors.

Barbara Cocks, president of HQ, told The Rose Examiner that the free event is “the result of great sponsors.” These include Dole Packaged Foods, Continue reading “Live on Green is back! with the USAF, LA Rams, fun, and entertainment” →

Butterflies, Sapphires, and a School for Presidents

All photos copyright 2016 Ramona Monteros

 

Saratoga High School Marching Band and Color Guard from Saratoga, Calif. marched its first Rose Parade with 200 marchers and three drum majors and is directed by Michael Boitz. The Silicon Valley group has members from six continents and more than 20 languages are spoken. Steven Spielberg is one of the many notable alumni.
Saratoga High School Marching Band and Color Guard from Saratoga, Calif. marched its first Rose Parade with 200 marchers and three drum majors and is directed by Michael Boitz. The Silicon Valley group has members from six continents and more than 20 languages are spoken. Steven Spielberg is one of the many notable alumni.
Saratoga High School Marching Band and Color Guard from Saratoga, Calif. marched its first Rose Parade with 200 marchers and three drum majors and is directed by Michael Boitz. The Silicon Valley group has members from six continents and more than 20 languages are spoken. Steven Spielberg is one of the many notable alumni.
Saratoga High School Marching Band and Color Guard from Saratoga, Calif. marched its first Rose Parade with 200 marchers and three drum majors and is directed by Michael Boitz. The Silicon Valley group has members from six continents and more than 20 languages are spoken. Steven Spielberg is one of the many notable alumni.
Jenks High School Marching Band “Trojan Pride” from Jenks, Okla. was in its first Rose Parade. It had 260 marchers and four drum majors under the direction of Scott Hillock. The flag ranks alternated with the musician ranks. The town is located on the longest drivable stretch of Route 66, so Colorado Blvd. in Pasadena, also part of Route 66, should have felt at home to them.
Jenks High School Marching Band “Trojan Pride” from Jenks, Okla. was in its first Rose Parade. It had 260 marchers and four drum majors under the direction of Scott Hillock. The flag ranks alternated with the musician ranks. The town is located on the longest drivable stretch of Route 66, so Colorado Blvd. in Pasadena, also part of Route 66, should have felt at home to them.
Jenks High School Marching Band “Trojan Pride” from Jenks, Okla. was in its first Rose Parade. It had 260 marchers and four drum majors under the direction of Scott Hillock. The flag ranks alternated with the musician ranks. The town is located on the longest drivable stretch of Route 66, so Colorado Blvd. in Pasadena, also part of Route 66, should have felt at home to them.
Jenks High School Marching Band “Trojan Pride” from Jenks, Okla. was in its first Rose Parade. It had 260 marchers and four drum majors under the direction of Scott Hillock. The flag ranks alternated with the musician ranks. The town is located on the longest drivable stretch of Route 66, so Colorado Blvd. in Pasadena, also part of Route 66, should have felt at home to them.
Jenks High School Marching Band “Trojan Pride” from Jenks, Okla. was in its first Rose Parade. It had 260 marchers and four drum majors under the direction of Scott Hillock. The flag ranks alternated with the musician ranks. The town is located on the longest drivable stretch of Route 66, so Colorado Blvd. in Pasadena, also part of Route 66, should have felt at home to them.
Franklin Regional High School Panther Band from Murrysville, Pa. had one of the most beautiful color displays in the parade, with Monarch butterflies everywhere. It marched its second Rose Parade with 211 members and three drum majors under the direction of Kevin Pollack.
Franklin Regional High School Panther Band from Murrysville, Pa. had one of the most beautiful color displays in the parade, with Monarch butterflies everywhere. It marched its second Rose Parade with 211 members and three drum majors under the direction of Kevin Pollack.
Franklin Regional High School Panther Band music, “Walking on Sunshine,” was perfect for the drill team and color guard with their butterfly flags, kites, hand puppets, and fascinators which called attention to the outdoor beauty that awaits visitors to our national parks.
Franklin Regional High School Panther Band music, “Walking on Sunshine,” was perfect for the drill team and color guard with their butterfly flags, kites, hand puppets, and fascinators which called attention to the outdoor beauty that awaits visitors to our national parks.
Franklin Regional High School Panther Band music, “Walking on Sunshine,” was perfect for the drill team and color guard with their butterfly flags, kites, hand puppets, and fascinators which called attention to the outdoor beauty that awaits visitors to our national parks.
Franklin Regional High School Panther Band music, “Walking on Sunshine,” was perfect for the drill team and color guard with their butterfly flags, kites, hand puppets, and fascinators which called attention to the outdoor beauty that awaits visitors to our national parks.
Punahou School Marching Band from Honolulu, Hawaii marched 192 members with three drum majors in its fourth Rose Parade. Director is Mark Falzarano. The band played in the 2009 Inaugural Parade for alumnus Barak Obama.
Punahou School was founded in 1841 and is now the largest independent school on a single campus in the United States with 3,760 students from kindergarten through 12th grade. It is the alma mater of three presidents: Barak Obama (1979), Sun Yat-Sen (1883), and Richard Chinen (1976), president of the Tournament of Roses in 2014-2105. Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalaniana‘ole (1883) was a delegate to the US House of Representatives.
Punahou School Marching Band from Honolulu, Hawaii marched 192 members with three drum majors in its fourth Rose Parade. Director is Mark Falzarano. The band played in the 2009 Inaugural Parade for alumnus Barak Obama.
Punahou School Marching Band from Honolulu, Hawaii marched 192 members with three drum majors in its fourth Rose Parade. Director is Mark Falzarano. The band played in the 2009 Inaugural Parade for alumnus Barak Obama.
William Mason High School Marching band from Mason, Ohio marched in its first Rose Parade with 330 members and four drum majors under the direction of Robert Bass. The flags mimicked the compass that was emblazoned on the theme float. Several ranks of tall flags marched at the rear of the unit.
William Mason High School Marching band from Mason, Ohio marched in its first Rose Parade with 330 members and four drum majors under the direction of Robert Bass. The flags mimicked the compass that was emblazoned on the theme float. Several ranks of tall flags marched at the rear of the unit.
William Mason High School Marching band from Mason, Ohio marched in its first Rose Parade with 330 members and four drum majors under the direction of Robert Bass. The flags mimicked the compass that was emblazoned on the theme float. Several ranks of tall flags marched at the rear of the unit.
Mira Mesa High School Sapphire Sound from San Diego, Calif. was in its first Rose Parade with 210 members and one drum major. Director Jeanne Christensen is a native San Diegan who grew up watching the Rose Parade with her family. She had a life-long dream of participating in the Parade. Sapphire Sound changed its motto to “Finding Their Adventure” through the school year leading up to the Parade. There are 28 different languages spoken in the school.
Mira Mesa High School Sapphire Sound from San Diego, Calif. was in its first Rose Parade with 210 members and one drum major. Director Jeanne Christensen is a native San Diegan who grew up watching the Rose Parade with her family. She had a life-long dream of participating in the Parade. Sapphire Sound changed its motto to “Finding Their Adventure” through the school year leading up to the Parade. There are 28 different languages spoken in the school.
Mira Mesa High School Sapphire Sound from San Diego, Calif. was in its first Rose Parade with 210 members and one drum major. Director Jeanne Christensen is a native San Diegan who grew up watching the Rose Parade with her family. She had a life-long dream of participating in the Parade. Sapphire Sound changed its motto to “Finding Their Adventure” through the school year leading up to the Parade. There are 28 different languages spoken in the school.

Escadrilles, Bagpipes, and Back to the Future

All photos copyright 2016 Ramona Monteros

 

Allen Eagle Escadrille High School Band from Allen, Texas marched in its second Rose Parade. The units has 782 members; as the five drum majors passed the Norton Simon Museum, the last ranks were just stepping over the starting line two blocks away.
Allen Eagle Escadrille High School “Tallenettes” are a traditional Texas drill team in cowgirl uniforms. The band director is Blane Hinton
Allen Eagle Escadrille High School Band from Allen, Texas marched in its second Rose Parade. The units has 782 members; as the five drum majors passed the Norton Simon Museum, the last ranks were just stepping over the starting line two blocks away.
Allen Eagle Escadrille High School Band from Allen, Texas marched in its second Rose Parade. The units has 782 members; as the five drum majors passed the Norton Simon Museum, the last ranks were just stepping over the starting line two blocks away.
Allen Eagle Escadrille High School Band from Allen, Texas marched in its second Rose Parade. The units has 782 members; as the five drum majors passed the Norton Simon Museum, the last ranks were just stepping over the starting line two blocks away.
Albany State University Marching Rams from Albany, Ga. marched its first Rose Parade with 126 band members and four drum majors. The historically black institution was founded in 1903. Participation in the Parade was a childhood dream of director Michael Decuir. The selection has galvanized the community and the students, who understand that they stand on the shoulders of many who have sacrificed.
Albany State University Marching Rams from Albany, Ga. marched its first Rose Parade with 126 band members and four drum majors. The historically black institution was founded in 1903. Participation in the Parade was a childhood dream of director Michael Decuir. The selection has galvanized the community and the students, who understand that they stand on the shoulders of many who have sacrificed.
Albany State University Marching Rams from Albany, Ga. marched its first Rose Parade with 126 band members and four drum majors. The historically black institution was founded in 1903. Participation in the Parade was a childhood dream of director Michael Decuir. The selection has galvanized the community and the students, who understand that they stand on the shoulders of many who have sacrificed.
Albany State University Marching Rams from Albany, Ga. marched its first Rose Parade with 126 band members and four drum majors. The historically black institution was founded in 1903. Participation in the Parade was a childhood dream of director Michael Decuir. The selection has galvanized the community and the students, who understand that they stand on the shoulders of many who have sacrificed.
Virginia Military Institute Regimental Band and Pipes from Lexington Va. is in its second Rose Parade with 140 marchers and two drum majors. Band director is Col. John Brodie.
Virginia Military Institute Regimental Band wears traditional cadet uniforms from 1839, the year the school was founded. It is the oldest state-supported military college in the US. The many notable alumni include Gen. George C. Marshall (1905) and Gen. George Patton (1907).
Virginia Military Institute bagpipers are directed by Maj. Burt Mitchell. None of the pipers had training before going to VMI.
Toho High School Green Band from Nagoya, Japan marched its first Rose Parade. At 116 members with one drum major, the unit is quite small for a Rose Parade band, but it makes up for it with an entertaining marching style. The ranks move between each other, the marchers dance, kick, and sidestep, and the drummers spin their instruments. Director is Mineto Shiraya, an alumnus of the school.
Toho High School Green Band from Nagoya, Japan marched its first Rose Parade. At 116 members with one drum major, the unit is quite small for a Rose Parade band, but it makes up for it with an entertaining marching style. The ranks move between each other, the marchers dance, kick, and sidestep, and the drummers spin their instruments. Director is Mineto Shiraya, an alumnus of the school.
Toho High School Green Band from Nagoya, Japan marched its first Rose Parade. At 116 members with one drum major, the unit is quite small for a Rose Parade band, but it makes up for it with an entertaining marching style. The ranks move between each other, the marchers dance, kick, and sidestep, and the drummers spin their instruments. Director is Mineto Shiraya, an alumnus of the school.
Plymouth-Canton Educational Park Marching Band from Canton, Mich. made its second Rose Parade appearance; the first was in 1973. The band has 176 member, four drum majors, and two directors, Jonathan Thomann and David Armbruster.
Plymouth-Canton Educational Park is home to three large comprehensive high schools, Salem, Canton and Plymouth. The combined student population is more than 6,500 students. Each school has its own interscholastic athletic teams, but the band, choir and orchestra are combined programs.
Plymouth-Canton Educational Park drill team wore futuristic costumes as the band played music from the movie “Back to the Future.” The marching unit has won more trophies than any other fine arts or athletic unit in Michigan.
Plymouth-Canton Educational Park Marching Band from Canton, Mich. made its second Rose Parade appearance; the first was in 1973. The band has 176 member, four drum majors, and two directors, Jonathan Thomann and David Armbruster.
Plymouth-Canton Educational Park drill team wore futuristic costumes as the band played music from the movie “Back to the Future.” The marching unit has won more trophies than any other fine arts or athletic unit in Michigan.

Rose Parade 2016: Marching Bands

Pasadena City College Tournament of Roses Honor Band award-winning twirler Rebecca Lantz is first down the parade route, followed by banner carriers and the drum major. The unit has 230 members performing its theme song, “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” as well as medleys of Western movie themes and sunny songs.
Copyright 2016 Ramona Monteros

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rose Parade Perennials

  • Salvation Army Tournament of Roses Band
  • Pasadena City College Tournament of Roses Honor Band
  • Los Angeles Unified School District All District High School Honor Band

Escadrilles, Bagpipes, and Back to the Future

  • Allen Eagle Escadrille High School Band
  • Albany State University Marching Rams
  • Virginia Military Institute Regimental Band and Pipes
  • Toho High School Green Band
  • Plymouth-Canton Educational Park Marching Band

Butterflies, Sapphires, and a School for Presidents

  • Saratoga High School Marching Band and Color Guard
  • Jenks High School Marching Band “Trojan Pride”
  • Franklin Regional High School Panther Band
  • Punahou School Marching Band
  • William Mason High School Marching
  • Mira Mesa High School Sapphire Sound