For decades, families have gathered around their televisions on New Year’s morning — or camped out along Colorado Boulevard — to watch the Rose Parade, a spectacle of towering floral floats and precision marching bands enjoyed by a worldwide audience of millions. For many children, it’s the stuff of dreams: What would it be like to be part of that parade? To march it, to perform in it, to be inside the magic?
This New Year’s Day, that dream will become reality for Brighton High junior and Color Guard Captain Sadie Andersen, who has been selected to perform with the 2026 Bands of America Honor Band in the 137th Rose Parade in Pasadena, Calif. She is among four high school students in Utah to earn a spot in this elite national ensemble of 250 musicians and performers.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said Kirsta Browne, Brighton High’s color guard coach. “Sadie will be performing with students from across the country, making connections that last far beyond the parade itself. I’m incredibly proud of her — she’s an inspiration to everyone in our program.”
Andersen has been part of the Bengals’ color guard program for four years and currently serves as Head Captain, a leadership role that reflects both her technical skills and her ability to mentor younger performers — a perfect match for this year’s parade them, “The Magic of Teamwork.” She was chosen for the Bands of America through a competitive application and recommendation process.
“Color guard helped me grow as a person,” Andersen said. “When I started, I was really shy. Now I go out of my way to talk to people, make friends, and be part of a community. That’s what keeps me coming back.”
The 17-year-old teen from Cottonwood Heights now relishes the opportunity perform in front of strangers, and it’s hard to imagine a bigger stage than the 5.5-mile Rose Parade, which will be broadcast 8 a.m. PST Jan. 1, 2026 on most major networks.
The performing arts are a powerful way to bring people together, she says, whether that’s building confidence through discipline and teamwork with her peers, or emotionally connecting with an audience.
“The people are better than any trick or solo,” she says. “The community you build is the best part.”
Andersen’s two sisters are on the color guard with her and father, Justin Andersen — the founder of CSDtv, Canyons District’s award-winning broadcast program — coaches color guard in his spare time.
The entire family will be joining her as she heads to Pasadena to rehearse with students from all 50 states, perform at the Tournament of the Roses Bandfest, and participate in other activities.
“I’m excited to open up a whole new community to people who may not know much about color guard in Utah,” Andersen said. “I’m proud to represent Brighton High and our program.”
