I am proud to announce that my husband, Paul Blake, has been selected to perform in the Band Directors Marching Band at the 137th Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California on January 1, 2026! He has been chosen by Saluting America's Band Directors (SABD) and the Michael D. Sewell Memorial Foundation, which recognizes the amazing work that band directors do every day.

Paul has been the instrumental music teacher at Richfield Springs Central School for the last 19 years. He currently serves as the principal trombonist for the Catskill Symphony Orchestra and the Colgate University Orchestra, as well as freelances in the area. He also has an active private studio and is the low brass professor at Hartwick College. He is excited to represent these as well as the Village of Otego, where he resides, as a member of the Band Directors' Marching Band in the 2026 Rose Bowl Parade!

The Band Directors' Marching Band is comprised of 500 hand-selected band directors from across the United States. He was chosen to join this group of talented band directors from across the country to represent music education on one of the world’s largest stages. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime honor for him!

Growing up, Paul watched the Tournament of Roses parade each New Year's Day with his mother and grandmother and then with our children as well. It is an honor for him to now have the privilege to participate in the parade as a member of this band.

After years of teaching music, mentoring, and pouring his heart into his students, he now gets the chance to be a part of one of the most iconic events in the country. It’s not just about marching in the parade—it’s about honoring the dedication of band directors everywhere, including his own.

This incredible opportunity comes with a price. The total cost of the trip is nearly $5,500, which covers travel, lodging, meals, uniform fees, and other expenses. This is a significant investment, and our family would be so grateful for your support in helping to make this dream come true for him! Paul has given so much to his students and community, and now we’re hoping to give him the chance to live out this dream.

Our family will be working to do as many fundraisers as we can to help raise the money needed for Paul to participate. This GoFundMe is one way to help offset the costs. Any amount, big or small, will bring him closer to Pasadena. If you can’t contribute financially, sharing this post and spreading the word would mean the world to our whole family!

How You Can Help:

- Donate: Every little bit helps, no matter how small.

- Share: Pass this along to your friends, family, or anyone who might want to support.

- Encourage: Let others know what an incredible milestone this is for him.

Thank you so much for your support of Paul, his passion for music, and this amazing opportunity to represent music education on such a grand stage.

We’re so grateful for your generosity and support in helping to make this dream a reality.