LINDEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS, NJ — McManus Middle School Band Director Bart Healy has been selected to perform with The Band Directors Marching Band in the 2026 Tournament of Roses® Parade, scheduled for Jan. 1, 2026, in Pasadena, California.
Healy, a 31-year music educator, will join more than 300 band directors and music educators from across North America in the nationally assembled ensemble organized by Saluting America’s Band Directors. The band will accompany an animated float along the parade’s 5.5-mile route.
The 2026 Rose Parade, themed “The Magic in Teamwork,” will take place during the U.S. Semiquincentennial (America250) year and is known internationally for its floral floats, marching bands and equestrian units, drawing millions of viewers each New Year’s Day.
“Performing in the Rose Parade with the Band Directors Marching Band is an incredible honor,” Healy said. “It’s a powerful reminder of the impact music education has on students and communities.”
In November 2025, Healy also participated in a Veterans Day virtual band recording of “Brand New Day” from The Wiz, joining 101 band directors nationwide.
The Band Directors Marching Band will be directed by Jon Waters, a nationally recognized music educator who will lead rehearsals and additional performances in Pasadena.
The ensemble is sponsored by the Michael D. Sewell Memorial Foundation, based in Pickerington, Ohio, which was established to honor the legacy of the late band director Mike Sewell.
Superintendent Dr. Atiya Y. Perkins said the selection is a prestigious honor for both Healy and the district, noting the lasting impact of his work on students and the community.
