I'm happy to announce that my application was accepted to be a member of the Saluting America's Band Directors Marching Band that will be performing on January 1, 2026 at the 138th Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California! This is a tremendous honor and I'm excited to represent Oak Glen Middle School, Hancock County Schools, The West Virginia Bandmasters Association, and my alma mater, Illinois State University, where I was a proud member of the Big Red Marching Machine!

I am trying to raise funds to help defray the costs of the trip. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for which I am very grateful. I’ve started a GoFundMe to help cover the costs, and any support you can provide will go towards travel expenses and the cost of my travel package for the trip, which includes uniforms, music, five nights in a full-service hotel in the greater Los Angeles area, breakfasts for five days, lunches for five days, three dinners, rental of rehearsal space, bus transportation to all events, and several sightseeing excursions.

I have been blessed beyond measure to be able to teach band to thousands of children for almost 32 years, and to have so many amazing music educators that have shaped me into the educator I am today. Any support would mean so much! Whether it’s a donation or just sharing the link, I’d be so grateful for your help in making this dream become a reality.