On August 29th Sally Bixby, President of the Tournament of Roses, visited Santiago High School to honor their band. President Bixby visits each Band that is accepted into the Rose Parade. She presented the Santiago Band with the Flag of the Rose Parade as official recognition upon entering and becoming a full part of the parade.

Before the Santiago Band entered the Rose Parade there was an extensive interview process and competition in order to join.

Directors Joe Dudek and Kris Parish were instrumental in putting the Santiago Band application together.  They also took the band to the L.A. County Fair Band Competition for the first time.  The top three bands were invited back for the finals on Sept. 30th and Santiago won.  That win gave Santiago the right to be in the 2013 Rose Parade.  It will be the first time ever that a school from Corona-Norco goes to the Rose Parade.

The Inner Circle spoke with President Bixby and asked her a few questions regarding her experiences with bands that have entered the parade.

Inner Circle: What have you enjoyed most about Santiago?
President Bixby: Meeting the students. The tour of Fender [Museum] was very interesting, and seeing what Corona looks like. But the highlight is meeting the students and getting to interact with them.

Inner Circle: Cities really go out of their way to welcome Rose Parade representatives. What is the most flattering welcome you have received?
President Bixby: When I arrived at the airport the whole band was playing. The same thing happened once at a hotel. That’s pretty phenomenal.

Inner Circle: How did you get involved with the Rose Parade?
President Bixby: I was born and raised in Pasadena. When I was a child we would sleep over at the parade [to be the first ones there]. Later, I had friends who worked with the Tournament and when I found time I wanted to give back to my community. This year is the 124th Rose Parade.