Baldwinsville Band Director Set to March in 2026 Rose Parade

Baldwinsville band teacher and parade band director Randall Bennett is heading back to Pasadena, California, for the 2026 Rose Parade, where he will perform as a member of the prestigious Band Directors Marching Band.

Mr. Bennett is a district band director at Durgee Junior High School, and has been Baldwinsville Marching Band Music Coordinator and will be the Director for the upcoming 2026 Parade Band season.

This marks a return to the iconic New Year’s Day parade for Mr. Bennett, who previously helped direct the Baldwinsville Marching Bees in the Rose Parade on January 1, 2020. On New Year’s Day, he’ll take on the new role of marching alongside band directors from across the country as they perform together in the 137th Rose Parade.

“I am excited to be back with the Band Directors Marching Band for the 2026 Rose Parade," Mr. Bennett said. "I will be representing Baldwinsville and New York State in the Sousaphone section, along with about 400 other band directors from around the country that will be playing in the band. This is truly an incredible opportunity to return to the Rose Parade and to be able to show all of our students some opportunities in music beyond high school.”

Mr. Bennett is no stranger to national stages. In November 2023, he proudly showcased the district’s musical excellence as a member of the Band Directors Marching Band at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

“We are beyond proud of Mr. Bennett and his contributions to our community’s students and the Baldwinsville Visual and Performing Arts program,” said Kris Denton, Director of Academic Services, Visual and Performing Arts.  “Mr. Bennett is just another example to our students that the talent and dedication that goes to school, lives and works in Baldwinsville is of a quality that deserves to be showcased on national and international stages. Go Bees!”

Be sure to tune in on New Year’s Day to watch Mr. Bennett represent Baldwinsville on one of the world’s most celebrated parade routes.

Congratulations, Mr. Bennett and Go Bees!