San Diego, CA–The Mira Mesa High School “Sapphire Sound” Marching Band and Color Guard received an official invitation today to participate in the 2022 Rose Parade on New Year’s Day.
Tournament of Roses President Dr. Robert Miller personally delivered the invitation to take part in the 133rd Rose Parade and presented a Rose Parade flag for the school to keep and display.
During the celebratory event, the award-winning band performed musical selections, including the National Anthem, on the school’s football field.
This will be the second time Mira Mesa High School will march in the Rose Parade after its debut appearance in 2016. The school was initially selected to participate in the 2021 Rose Parade, but the event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, the City of Pasadena Health Department is strongly encouraging participants to receive a vaccination ahead of the parade. San Diego Unified has encouraged all families to get eligible students vaccinated to help stop the spread of COVID-19 in schools and throughout the community.
Mira Mesa High School is one of just 16 marching bands worldwide being invited to the 2022 Rose Parade, with representatives from as far away as Italy and Japan.
Approximately 700,000 spectators are expected to line the streets along Colorado Boulevard for the 5 ½-mile parade route.
Mira Mesa High School’s Director of Bands Jeanne Christensen said the recognition is the culmination of hard work by the students.
“We are honored to receive an invitation to march in the 2022 Rose Parade,” Christensen said. “The students have had so many hurdles to overcome for more than a year, but they haven’t let that stop their dedication and focus. They’ve put in a lot of hard work doing something they love, and this is the culmination of that effort.”
Interim Superintendent Dr. Lamont Jackson said Mira Mesa’s ensemble, totaling 225 members, has built a remarkable legacy over the years.
“This is an incredible honor for the entire Mira Mesa High School program, Mira Mesa community and San Diego Unified,” Jackson said. “Getting an invitation to the Rose Parade is a rare accomplishment. The fact that this is the second time for the ‘Sapphire Sound’ Marching Band shows the true talent and dedication of students, teachers, and staff at this school. The leadership of Jeanne Christensen reflects the spirit of Ubuntu: We are because She is.”
Prior to Mira Mesa’s appearance in 2016, San Diego Unified had not had a school represented at the Rose Parade since Patrick Henry High School in 1986. To help fund the cost of the 2022 trip, Mira Mesa High School is welcoming financial donations through a link on its website.
