From left, Robin White meets with Karen Sewell, the founder of the Michael D. Sewell Foundation. (Photo provided)

BELPRE — A longtime Belpre City Schools educator has been selected to march in the 2026 Tournament of Roses Parade as part of a national ensemble honoring music educators.

Robin White, a teacher in Belpre City Schools, will join more than 300 band directors from across North America in the Saluting America’s Band Directors project during the Pasadena Rose Parade on Jan. 1, 2026.

The group will perform alongside a themed parade float under the banner, “America’s band directors: We teach music. We teach life,” along the 5.5-mile parade route.

White has served Belpre City Schools for 24 years in a variety of roles. He currently teaches speech and communication, leadership and broadcasting, and serves as student council adviser and drama director. He also works with the Pride of Belpre Marching Band as low brass instructor and sound designer, a role he has held for more than 13 years.

The Saluting America’s Band Directors entry recognizes the work and influence of band directors and music educators nationwide. Organizers say the participating educators have collectively mentored hundreds of thousands of students, helping shape both musical skills and personal development.

Robin White performs at the Rose White & Blue welcome event presented by the Michael D. Sewell Foundation. (Photo provided)

“This is my third opportunity to march with the Band Directors Marching Band,” White said. “I participated in the 2022 Rose Parade and the 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

These are experiences I don’t take lightly, especially coming from a small school community. I hope my students see that no matter where you come from, it’s never too late to do something meaningful and big. Music has been part of my family for generations, and I’m honored to carry that forward through these events.”

The 2026 ensemble will be directed by nationally recognized music educator Jon Waters, who will lead rehearsals and additional performances while the group is in Pasadena. During the California trip, White will also perform with the inaugural Saluting America’s Band Directors Concert Band and appear with a smaller ensemble at Float Fest on the day after the parade.

The Saluting America’s Band Directors project is sponsored by the Michael D. Sewell Memorial Foundation of Pickerington, Ohio. The foundation honors the legacy of the late Mike Sewell, who spent nearly four decades supporting school and community music programs in Pickerington and throughout central Ohio.