COMPTON (SBE) – Compton Unified School District announced one of their school bands has been selected to participate in the Hollywood Christmas Parade on Nov. 26.
This is the second time a Compton school has participated in the 91-year history of the parade, according to a release provided by the district.
“I am excited to witness the Compton High School band take center stage at the Hollywood Christmas Parade. This is a moment of pride for the Compton Unified School District (CUSD) that highlights our commitment to arts education,” said CUSD Board Trustee Micah Ali. “The rhythmic drum beats echoing down Hollywood Boulevard embody the transformative impact of music on our CUSD scholars. Our investment in the arts is not just about creating musicians; it is about cultivating disciplined minds, fostering creativity, and unlocking the full potential of every student. The correlation between arts education and academic achievement is undeniable. As we celebrate this festive parade, let it serve as a powerful reminder that when we invest in the arts in schools and district, we invest in the future success of our CUSD scholars.”
The award-winning Compton High School Marching Band has received a number of accolades, including being featured on an episode of the HBO Emmy-winning series Ballers. Now the band takes on a new prestigious role of being the first from Compton to march in the Hollywood Christmas Parade since its inception almost 100 years ago.
“I’m thrilled about this great opportunity for the Compton Unified School District and our talented Compton High School Marching Band. The Hollywood Christmas Parade will be viewed by thousands in person and millions around the world,” said CUSD Board Trustee Satra Zurita. “This invitation is a reflection of the hard work and effort that our students have accomplished. As a Compton High School Alumni Cheerleader, I’m so proud of our scholars and their teachers who pour their heart and soul into providing instruction, guidance, and support that will enhance our students’ education and broaden their horizons for a lifetime.”
The 50-piece Compton High School Marching Band and its attached units of tall flags and dance team are scheduled to participate.
The parade will begin at 6:00 p.m. at the corner of Hollywood Blvd and Orange Drive.
The Compton High School Marching Band joins a number of other bands in the parade. Performers The Village People will be featured in the parade, among others.
Compton Mayor Emma Sharif, who previously served as a Compton School Board Trustee from 2001 to 2015, is ecstatic that the City is being represented by Compton students.
“This is truly a momentous occasion for our community. Having our very own Compton High School Marching Band represented on such a grand stage is an accomplishment we can all take pride in,” said Sharif. “As they march through the streets of Hollywood, they carry not only their instruments but also the pride and spirit of Compton. It’s a testament to the talent that resides in our community and we are extremely proud of them for achieving this wonderful opportunity.”
The live parade features nearly 5,000 participants, with numerous Hollywood celebrities and VIPs, multiple pre-parade and parade performers, award-winning bands from around the country, several larger-than-life four-story character balloons, colorful floats, and many movie cars. The parade culminates with the appearance of Santa Claus and his reindeer, as they usher in the holiday season!
Since 1928 the live Hollywood Christmas Parade has been a loved and cherished annual holiday tradition enjoyed by Angelenos, as well as by millions watching the televised airings of the parade nationally on TV and internationally on Armed Forces Network around the world.