Clover High School marching band selected for 2026 Tournament of Roses parade

Clover High Schoolmarching band will perform in the 2026 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, school officials said. The selection marks a rare invitation for a South Carolina school and follows an extensive application process led in part by Rick Langdale Jr. and district staff.

Superintendent Sheila Quinn said students are "super excited" about the trip and the educational opportunities they will see in California, including visits to Disneyland and Universal. Speakers described the band as a 200-member ensemble led by Langdale with "high energy" shows.

Officials and supporters emphasized the cost and logistical effort required: the trip typically lasts about a week and is expensive, they said. Local fundraising played a key role; speakers credited a major contribution from Cloverleaf and donations to Clover Relief as pivotal. One speaker described that contribution as the largest the organization has given and noted that donors, the school district and taxpayers all contributed to make the trip possible.

Speakers framed the trip as an extension of the districtcommitment to arts education and community support, saying such opportunities enrich students beyond classroom learning. The programwas described as the seventh school from South Carolina to participate in the parade.

The school did not provide a detailed budget or list of specific donors during the recorded remarks; funding sources beyond the named local contributors were not specified.

Superintendent Quinn and band director Rick Langdale Jr. were the primary on-record speakers discussing the selection, fundraising and student experience. No formal actions or votes were taken during these remarks.