TINA L. SCOTT
EDITOR
On Thursday, June 30, 2022, the Merrill High School Marching Band was formally invited to participate in the 2023 Tournament of Roses Parade as a part of the Northwoods Marching Band. The band is made up of marching bands from eight area schools: Merrill, Antigo, Three Lakes, Northland Pines, Lakeland, Wausau East, D.C. Everest, and Mosinee.
January 2, 2023, will mark the first time the Northwoods Marching Band will perform at the Tournament of Roses Parade, and they will perform “Beautiful Wisconsin,” a piece composed by retired University of Wisconsin Marching Band Director Mike Leckrone, during the parade.
Amy Wainscott, current Tournament of Roses Parade President, is a graduate of Northland Pines High School and has been working for several years to help assemble a first-of-its-kind all-area marching band to perform specifically during her year as President.
The Northwoods Marching Band has begun summer rehearsals and played together in a number of 4th of July parades in preparation for the January parade.
Donations for travel expenses are being accepted via each local high school’s band director. In Merrill, donations can be sent c/o Merrill High School, 1201 N. Sales St., Merrill WI 54452. Donations should be clearly marked for Merrill Marching Band Tournament of Roses Parade travel expenses.