Stamford Teacher To Participate In 137th Annual Rose Parade

STAMFORD, CT — A Stamford teacher will march in the 137th Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year's Day in Pasadena, Calif., according to an announcement from Stamford Public Schools.

Stamford High School Choral and Orchestral Director Erin Ring-Howell, a native of Southern California, was selected to participate in The Band Directors Marching Band, which is made up of 400 music educators from across the United States and Mexico who were selected following an application process earlier this year.

Ring-Howell will be participating as a piccolo player.

"This is an incredible opportunity for Ms. Ring-Howell to participate in an event that is watched by millions of people around the world," SPS said in an announcement. "Marching in this world-renowned parade is a bucket-list event for Ms. Ring-Howell, who grew up in Southern California."

The Tournament of Roses Parade is an iconic New Year's Day tradition that stretches all the way back to 1890. The musical tradition began in 1891, when the Monrovia, California City Band joined the event, marching alongside flower-covered pony carts.

Since then, musicians from all over the world have participated.

"The parade has welcomed high school, college, and military bands, as well as a wide range of performers—from marching bands and drum and bugle corps to brass bands, percussion groups, and even bagpipes, all adding their own rhythm and flair to the festivities," the event website notes.

The parade is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. EST and travel 5.5 miles along Colorado Boulevard, with four types of entries: floral-covered floats, equestrian units, marching bands, and Tournament Entries.

Los Angeles Lakers legend and entrepreneur Earvin "Magic" Johnson will be the 2026 grand marshal. He'll also participate in the pre-game ceremony at the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the 112th Rose Bowl Game between No. 1 seeded Indiana Hoosiers and No. 9 Alabama Crimson Tide.

The Rose Parade will be available to view on a variety of broadcast networks and streaming services.

More information on the parade can be found here.