The Rancho Verde Crimson Regiment will be the first Val Verde Unified School District High School band to participate in the Rose Parade®. The surprise announcement was made Monday, October 15, 2018 at Rancho Verde High School by the 2020 Tournament of Roses President Laura Farber.
“This is the most prestigious honor a marching band program can receive. It is surreal and just a dream. We are so excited to represent Rancho Verde HS, Val Verde Unified, and the communities of Perris and Moreno Valley on New Year’s Day 2020,” said Rancho Verde Band Director Honglac Hathuc.
The application process was rigorous with bands worldwide applying annually. The volunteer members of the Tournament of Roses Music committee then narrows the submissions . Finally, the Tournament of Roses President selects bands from geographical areas from around the world.
The Rose Parade’s musical legacy dates back to 1891 when the Monrovia, California City Band joined the procession of flower- covered pony carts in the second Tournament of Roses Parade.
Since then, hundreds of thousands of musicians from all over the world have made the famous march through Pasadena on New Year’s Day. The Rose Parade has welcomed high schools, colleges and universities, and military bands. The Rose Parade is the longest parade route (5 1⁄2 miles) and 700,000 people line the parade route along with millions of worldwide television viewers.
“What an honor this is to be selected to perform at the 2020 Rose Parade," said Val Verde Unified School District Superintendent, Michael R. McCormick. "The student's reaction to the announcement of their selection was wonderful and unbelievable. I am so proud of our students, and I am positive that they will represent Val Verde with pride and honor in Pasadena.”