Earlier this month, students in the Lassiter High School band got some exciting news: They’ll be marching in Pasadena, California, on New Year’s Day 2019.
That can mean only one thing: The Tournament of Roses Parade. It will be the fifth time for Lassiter, and yes, that’s not during the current school year but for the one to follow, in 2018-19. But it’s another distinguishing accomplishment for a decorated program.
Lassiter band director James Thompson told the students at a band meeting during homecoming week:
Here’s the letter Thompson sent to the Lassiter community:
It is with tremendous joy that I announce that the Lassiter High School Marching Trojan Band has been extended an invitation to perform in the 130th annual Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California. This distinction was only extended to 13 bands from across the globe after a rigorous application process. This marks an unprecedented fifth invitation extended to the Lassiter Band Program to perform in America’s New Year Celebration; and I could not be more thrilled.
The Tournament of Roses Parade (www.tournamentofroses.com) on New Years Day is an annual occurrence held in southern California since 1890. The tournament is a celebration and salute to community spirit, service, and a love of pageantry. The Rose Parade is marked by a 5-½ mile parade route along Colorado Boulevard through Pasadena, for an overwhelming one million spectators and a worldwide television viewing audience estimated at nearly half of a billion in over 80 countries. The opportunity to share our talents and represent our community for such a vast viewing audience is both daunting and thrilling.
Our beloved Lassiter band has gained national notoriety for its high level of achievement over the years. The fast paced, musically and visually challenging marching programs are a testament to an uncompromising commitment to excellence by our students, staff, and directors. I am filled with such joy to share our talents with the entire world. Moreover, I am appreciative to our students, staff, administration, and boosters for an uncompromising commitment to our standard of excellence. Work ethic is the hallmark of our program and is the precursor of this once in a lifetime opportunity. This invitation is a testament to the time, energy, and sacrifice paid by our students. Our Marching Trojans have worked hard to receive an occasion to showcase their talents for the world to see. In fact, to my knowledge, only the Sprayberry and Walton bands have been offered this opportunity, placing Lassiter in the extreme minority as one of the select few to perform in the Rose Parade.
In addition to work ethic, one of our most sacred traditions is service. A special thank you is in order for our senior class of 2018. Like each senior class before them, they have learned to share their knowledge in service to the youngest and least skilled among them. Each Lassiter student learns the joy of gracious giving. The class of 2018 will join the ranks of countless Lassiter band alumni who will look on with pride as “The TRADITION continues . . .” knowing that they are a part of that tradition. There is no way that we could have achieved this honor without them. We all thank you so very much.
While the details of the performance will be communicated very soon, today is cause for celebration, reflection, and joy. Happy homecoming. Take a bow Lassiter band, job well done!
Eyes With Pride,
James E. Thompson, Jr.
Director of Bands
Lassiter High School
