Marching TIGER Band selected for 2028 Rose Parade

Submitted by Hamilton Southeastern Schools

The Fishers High School Marching TIGER Band is headed back to the national stage. After performing in the 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the band has now been selected to march in the 2028 Rose Parade in Pasadena, Calif.

It will be the first Rose Parade appearance in Fishers High School history.

More than 200 students received the news during a surprise announcement Saturday afternoon after a full day of rehearsals.

“We are honored to show the world the dedication and commitment behind performing arts at Fishers High School,” Marching TIGER Band Director Elijah Gardner said. “Our students are thrilled to take part in one of the largest New Year’s Day celebrations in the world and perform on an international stage.”

The Marching TIGER Band is one of only 10 high school bands chosen through a competitive international application process. The 2028 lineup includes bands from Colombia, Costa Rica, Japan, Puerto Rico, and the United States.

The students will march 5.5 miles along Orange Grove and Colorado boulevards in Pasadena. But first, they have to get there. Moving more than 200 students and their gear to California will mean traveling approximately 4,000 miles round trip with two box trucks and a semi-trailer carrying instruments, uniforms, and equipment. To help them, the band has already begun planning their fundraising efforts. You can donate now at tinyurl.com/FHSband2026.

“Our students are eager to put their hard work on display and return to Fishers with new friends, new stories and a camera roll full of memories,” Gardner said. “We are thankful to our district and building leaders for supporting us through the application process and the beginning of our fundraising journey. We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to represent Fishers, Indiana, in the 2028 Rose Parade.”

When the Marching TIGER Band steps onto the parade route, more than 700,000 spectators are expected to be watching in person, with another 50 million tuning in from around the world.

“What an incredible moment for these students, their families and all of Fishers High School,” Superintendent Dr. Matt Kegley said. “Earning a spot in the Rose Parade takes talent, discipline and countless hours of work. We could not be prouder to see the Marching Tiger Band carry the HSE Schools and Fishers name onto an international stage.”

Photo provided by Hamilton Southeastern Schools

About the Fishers High School Band Program
Founded in 2006, the Fishers High School band program serves nearly 350 students through concert and jazz bands, percussion classes, chamber ensembles and extracurricular opportunities including the Marching TIGER Band, Pep Band, Pit Orchestra, Winter Percussion, and Winter Guard.

The program has earned recognition at the state and national levels. The Marching TIGER Band is a two-time Bands of America Grand National Finalist, while the Wind Ensemble has twice finished as ISSMA State Runner-up and the Jazz Ensemble is a three-time ISSMA State Finalist. Fishers Concert Percussion has won four consecutive WGI World Championships and 11 IPA championships, Marching Percussion has earned two IPA championships, and the Color Guard won a WGI Open Class championship in 2019.