Wilbert Rawlins, Jr., director of bands at L. B. Landry in New Orleans, and Aaron L. Theall, director of bands at DeRidder High School, will join band directors from across the country January 1 in the annual Pasadena Tournament of Roses® Rose Parade. A custom-designed animated float will lead a “marching band of band directors” up to 300 strong from across the country. The Michael D. Sewell Memorial Foundation, based in Pickerington, Ohio, is the sponsoring organization behind the project. The foundation was created to recognize and carry on the work of the late Mike Sewell, who dedicated his life to the school and community music programs in Pickerington and the Central Ohio area for more than 38 years. The parade entry will convey the theme,
“We teachmusic. We teach life.”
The extraordinary dedication and accomplishments of band directors are well known to their students, to parents and to school teachers and administrators. No matter where they teach and work—public and private schools, colleges and universities,the military, community bands—dedicated music educators and leaders work long hours to not only teach and direct music, but to teach life itself. Students’ lives in particular are positively changed by a motivational leader who taught, inspired and mentored them.
Wilbert J. Rawlins, Jr. is the director of bands at L. B. Landry High School. "I’m ecstatic. I’m honored. I’m honored. I don’t know what I’ve done in this lifetime to receive all of these awards and accolades. To have the privilege of representing this great state, me, Wilbert Rawlins Jr. I’m happy! I’m excited," Rawlins said.
He said music saved his life and he hopes children understand the power of learning an instrument.
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Aaron L. Theall has worked at DeRidder High School for ten years,
serving as director of bands since 2017. He graduated from
Louisiana State University in 2012 with a bachelor’s in
Music Education. He also serves as the interim Executive Director for the Louisiana Stars Drum and Bugle Corps. He is excited to convey this year’s theme, sticking with his mantra:
“I don’t just teach music, I teach THROUGH music.”
