By Michelle Ruschman
On September 9th, 2022, Niceville High School’s marching band, Eagle Pride, cheered as Director of Bands, Dan Wooten, announced they were invited to perform in Pasadena’s 2024 Rose Bowl Parade. Now, over a year later, all their hard work will finally culminate in a trip to California from December 28, 2023 to January 2, 2024. With nearly 1 million in attendance and 30 million watching the parade from throughout the world, the prestige of being chosen reflects the dedication and excellence that Eagle Pride is known for. This current group of more than 250 high school students is only one of 20 marching bands that have been selected and is the only band representing the state of Florida. For the class of 2024, participating in this 135-year-old parade will be an incredible way of commemorating years of dedication as they head to graduation.
The last time Niceville High School appeared in the Rose Bowl Parade was in 2017, and 2024 will mark the third time Niceville is represented in this iconic event. Their premier performance was in 2008. Bands of any size are welcome to apply, but the criteria with which a band is selected includes “musicianship, marching ability, uniqueness and entertainment value or special interest.” (tournamentofroses.com) If you have ever gotten to experience the excitement of a Niceville football game and the hype of the band’s halftime show, you know exactly why this organization was selected to appear on an international stage.
Going on this trip are the directors, the marching band, color guard, twirlers, coaches, chaperones, support teams and, for security, two Niceville police officers. They are also packing hundreds of uniforms, instruments and pieces of equipment. It has truly taken a Herculean effort in meticulous planning and ongoing fundraising.
Families of the band and auxiliary teams have been working on fundraisers tirelessly since the announcement was made in 2022 and the band is so grateful for everyone who has supported its needs. These events included 50/50 raffles at football games, the Super 50/50 raffles, sales for citrus, chocolate and popcorn, a vendor event at the high school, haunted house tickets, jewelry and ornament sales, and a cruise raffle. Local businesses such as Walmart, Panera Bread, Panda Express, Domino’s and McAllister’s hosted fundraisers as well. It’s been a community effort to get Eagle Pride to California.
Still, there is more to be done. Leading up to December 28th, everything the students need is turned in, cataloged and packed. The band continues to condition in preparation for the 5½ mile parade route. At practice, they hone their performance and learn to march the turn at the corner where they will stop for the cameras and perform for an international audience of millions.
Tune in on January 1st, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. central time to watch the Rose Bowl Parade live on NBC, ABC and Univision, as well as streaming networks such as Peacock, FuboTV and Hulu Plus. You’re invited to welcome the new year by cheering on your Niceville Eagle Pride!
If you would like to donate to future performances and trips, please email EaglePrideFinance@gmail.com.
