Santa Cruz High School Band Director Christy Latham was selected to join a marching band of more than 300 band directors from across North America in the Pasadena Rose Parade on January 1, 2026. The band accompanied a colorful, animated float along the parade’s 5.5-mile route.
The Saluting America’s Band Directors parade entry conveyed the theme, ‘America’s band directors: We teach music. We teach life,’ recognizing the extraordinary dedication and accomplishments of band directors and music educators nationwide.
Throughout their careers, the music educators in the band collectively mentored and taught hundreds of thousands of students.
In addition to teaching and conducting music, these professionals have played an important role in shaping students’ lives.
For 25 years, Latham led the Santa Cruz High Cardinal Regiment and directed the high school’s growing music program.
‘Music has been my passion and my calling for decades,’ Latham said. ‘Performing in the Rose Parade, one of the most iconic celebrations in the world, was a lifelong dream of mine.’
Santa Cruz City Schools Superintendent Kris Munro said the honor was a well-deserved recognition of Latham’s lasting impact.
‘Generations of students have discovered a love of music and performance in Christy Latham’s classes,’ Munro said. ‘Under her leadership, our century-old marching band grew in renown and brought joy and pride that transformed the high school experience for its students.’
The band was directed by nationally known music educator and innovative band director Jon Waters, who also led rehearsals and additional performances while in Pasadena.
The Saluting America’s Band Directors project was sponsored by the Michael D. Sewell Memorial Foundation, based in Pickerington, Ohio. The foundation was established to recognize and continue the work of the late Mike Sewell, who dedicated nearly 40 years to school and community music programs in Pickerington and throughout Ohio.
