The Greendale High School marching band, a powerhouse ensemble from a community south of Milwaukee, is preparing for its performance on one of the nation's biggest stages. Over 200 students will represent their school and state in the 137th annual Rose Parade on January 1.
This prestigious invitation continues a tradition of excellence for the band, which has a long history of national appearances and state-level victories. For the students and staff, the journey to Pasadena involves intense practice, community fundraising, and the dedication to perform flawlessly along a 5.5-mile route.
Key Takeaways
- Greendale High School's marching band, with over 200 members, will perform in the 137th Rose Parade.
- The band will also compete in Bandfest, a separate field show event held at Pasadena City College.
- Under director Tom Reifenburg, the band has won 20 consecutive state championships.
- The ensemble has previously performed at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and the 2020 Rose Parade.
- The performance will include a rendition of NSYNC's "Bye, Bye, Bye" with a Wisconsin-themed addition.
A Tradition of National Recognition
For Greendale High School, performing in nationally televised parades is becoming a familiar tradition. This will not be the band's first time marching in a major event. The group previously appeared in the 2020 Rose Parade and has also performed twice at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, in 2016 and 2023.
This history of high-profile performances is built on a foundation of consistent success. Under the leadership of band director Tom Reifenburg, the ensemble has secured an impressive 20 consecutive state championship titles. This sustained excellence has made the band a source of pride for the community and a standout program in the state.
A Significant Portion of the Student Body
Greendale High School has a student population of nearly 900. With over 200 students participating in the marching band, this means that almost a quarter of the entire school is involved in the program, a testament to its popularity and success.
Reifenburg has been instrumental in guiding the band to these achievements. His leadership has been a key factor in preparing students for the immense pressure and physical demands of events like the Rose Parade.
The Rigorous Path to Pasadena
Preparing for a 5.5-mile parade is a marathon, not a sprint. The students have been engaged in a demanding practice schedule since the end of their regular football and competition seasons. Practices are held daily during school hours and extend into Tuesday evenings, often in challenging Wisconsin weather.
Freshman flutist Ethan Bowe, who earned a solo for the performance, described the conditions. “It’s been cold. It’s been wet,” Bowe said. “But under all that, it’s fun, and it’s just cool being able to do it.”
The primary focus of these rehearsals has been mastering the parade formation and their musical selection. For the parade route, the band will be playing NSYNC's 2000 hit “Bye, Bye, Bye.” Reifenburg explained the unique challenge of a parade performance compared to a standard field show.
“You’re never offstage. It’s 5.5 miles, two hours or so that you have to be on the entire time.”
In a nod to their home state, the band has incorporated a special touch into their music. “We put a little bit of ‘On, Wisconsin!’ at the end of the song that we’re playing on the parade route,” Reifenburg noted. “So if people catch that, we love representing our state.”
More Than Just Marching
Beyond the parade itself, the band will also participate in Bandfest. This event, held at Pasadena City College's stadium, allows marching bands to perform their competitive field shows for an audience. This year's show from Greendale is titled “Snow Angel.”
The show's musical arrangement is a creative blend of popular and classical music, incorporating songs from the movie “Frozen,” classical pieces, and Beyoncé’s 2009 single “Halo.” This diverse selection showcases the band's versatility and artistic range.
Event Details
- What: 137th Annual Rose Parade
- When: January 1
- Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Central Time
- Parade Length: 5.5 miles
- Estimated Duration: 2 hours
A Diverse and Talented Ensemble
The Greendale marching band is a complex organization that includes more than just instrumentalists. The color guard adds a visual spectacle with spinning flags and choreography, while vocalists contribute another layer to the performance.
Sophomore Clara Svoboda is one such vocalist. Reifenburg discovered her talent during a school musical where he was playing piano in the pit orchestra. “Mr. Reifenberg played piano in the pit for a show that (we) did,” Svoboda recalled. “Then he reached out to me after that and said, ‘I like your voice. Can we talk about adding you into the band show?’”
Svoboda's addition brings a unique element to the “Snow Angel” field show. Despite the pressure of performing in front of a large audience, she has learned to manage her nerves. “But I just have to take a deep breath and go,” she said.
This inclusive approach, incorporating diverse talents like vocalists and color guard members, highlights the comprehensive nature of the band program. It provides opportunities for a wide range of students to participate and contribute to the ensemble's success.
Community Support Fuels the Journey
Organizing a trip for over 200 students from Wisconsin to California is a significant logistical and financial undertaking. The journey to the Rose Parade requires tens of thousands of dollars to cover transportation, lodging, and other expenses.
The band has relied heavily on fundraising and the generosity of the community to make the trip possible. Donations have come from residents in Greendale and supporters across Wisconsin, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to participate regardless of their financial situation.
This broad base of support underscores the deep connection between the band and its community. It's a partnership that allows these talented young musicians to showcase their skills on a national stage, serving as ambassadors for their school and their state.
