And they’re off!

The Pella Marching Dutch are departing today for the school’s 3rd ever trip to the prestigious Rose Parade, with participation in the event considered the highest possible honor for any high school marching band to achieve in the United States.

Former Directors of the Pella Marching Dutch Guy Blair and Dick Redman both say they still keep up with the Marching Dutch, Pella Jazz band, and other affiliated programs and are proud of the continued tradition of excellence held up by the students and directors.

For many parents and others in the community, this will be a return to California — both Blair and Redman led the program to Pasadena in 1988 and 2003.

Hear more memories from previous Pella Marching Dutch trips to the Rose Parade on today’s Let’s Talk Pella. Tune into 92.1 KRLS over the next week for special updates from Pasadena.