Vista Murrieta HS Student To March In New Year's Day Rose Parade

MURRIETA, CA — A Vista Murrieta High School student will be marching in the 2026 Rose Parade in Pasadena, it was announced Monday.

Joseph Livingstone, a junior at the school who plays clarinet for the VMHS Golden Alliance, was selected by "Music for All" to be a member of the "Bands of America Honor Band."

The Bands of America Honor Band is a national ensemble with over 250 performers, including winds, percussion, and color guard.

"To be part of this opportunity is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for students, and a testimony to their dedication to music," said 2026 Bands of America Honor Band Director Richard Saucedo. "The Rose Parade is one of our country’s national pageantry treasures. The 2026 Honor Band members are ambassadors of America’s scholastic music and arts programs, as well as their schools and communities. Congratulations to Joseph on participating in this fantastic experience."

The upcoming Rose Parade marks the sixth time Music for All’s Bands of America Honor Band has performed in the event. The ensemble also participated in 2005, 2009, 2013, 2017, and 2022.

Yamaha Corporation of America will provide percussion and brass instruments for the band, while Fred J. Miller, Inc. will outfit the members in custom uniforms designed by designer Michael Cesario. Music Travel Consultants will manage the travel, housing, and logistics for band members and their families.

Bands of America is a program of the nonprofit Music for All, which is one of the nation’s largest organizations in support of music-making.

"Our vision is to be a catalyst to ensure that every child in America has access and opportunity for active music-making in their scholastic environment," according to the Music for All mission statement.

The 137th Rose Parade takes place starting at 8 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 1. The parade's 2026 theme is "The Magic in Teamwork," with former Los Angeles Lakers star Earvin "Magic" Johnson serving as Grand Marshal.

The 112th Rose Bowl Game featuring the Alabama Crimson Tide and Indiana Hoosiers will follow at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena. For more information, visit www.tournamentofroses.com and www.rosebowlgame.com.