Michael Buckstein will march in the Pasadena Rose Parade

Michael Buckstein, assistant director of bands at the University of Pittsburgh, has been selected to march alongside more than 300 band directors from across North America in the Pasadena Rose Parade on Jan. 1.

The Saluting America’s Band Directors will accompany a colorful, animated float along the 5.5-mile parade route. The group’s theme, “America’s band directors: We teach music. We teach life,” recognizes the dedication and accomplishments of band directors and music educators across the country. Throughout their careers, the music educators in this band have collectively mentored and taught hundreds of thousands of students.

 “I am so thrilled for this opportunity to not only represent Pennsylvania and the University of Pittsburgh, but to be part of a group that is so committed to being a champion for music education,” said Buckstein.

The band will be directed by nationally known music educator and innovative band director Jon Waters, who will also lead rehearsals and other performances of the band when in Pasadena. The sponsoring organization behind the Saluting America’s Band Directors project is the Michael D. Sewell Memorial Foundation, based in Pickerington, Ohio. The foundation was created to recognize and carry on the work of Mike Sewell, who dedicated his life to the school and community music programs in Pickerington and the Central Ohio area for almost 40 years.