Myles Bowers, band director at Benjamin Logan High School, has been selected to join an elite marching band of more than 300 band directors from across North America in the upcoming 2026 Pasadena Rose Parade.
The Saluting America’s Band Directors project has assembled band directors from across North America to march Jan. 1 under the theme, “America’s band directors: We teach music. We teach life,” to recognize the extraordinary dedication and accomplishments of band directors and music educators everywhere.
The band will accompany a colorful, animated float along the 5.5-mile parade route.
Bowers has also been selected to perform with the first Saluting America’s Band Directors Jazz Band.
Throughout their careers, the music educators in this band have collectively mentored and taught hundreds of thousands of students. These professionals not only teach and conduct music, they teach about life itself.
Bowers said he was “humbled to have the opportunity to march in the 2026 Rose Parade and to represent our Benjamin Logan students and community on such a national stage.
“Everything I know about being a teacher comes from the people who have been influential in my life, my parents and family, my own band directors, mentors, and colleagues. I carry their influence with me every day.
“I’m also constantly inspired by my students, who show up with curiosity, humor, grit and a willingness to grow. Their parents and families play such a vital role as well; their support makes it possible to do the work we do.
“Music has always been more than performance. It teaches responsibility, teamwork, leadership and how to overcome challenges; those life skills that stay with students long after the final concert. The arts, in general, have this incredible ability to bring people together and create a sense of belonging.
“Being part of this parade is a privilege, and I’m honored to represent all the people who helped shape me and all the students who make this career so meaningful.”
The band will be directed by nationally-known music educator and innovative band director Jon Waters, who will also lead rehearsals and other performances of the band when in Pasadena.
The sponsoring organization behind the Saluting America’s Band Directors project is the Michael D. Sewell Memorial Foundation, based in Pickerington.
The foundation was created to recognize and carry on the work of the late Mike Sewell, who dedicated his life to the school and community music programs in Pickerington and the Central Ohio area for almost 40 years.
