BETHLEHEM, Pa. – A Lehigh Valley band director is reflecting on his Rose Parade experience. He was one of 350 people selected to perform in a band.
Daniel Zettlemoyer loves performing.
“I like the sousaphone,” said Zettlemoyer.
The Nitschman Middle School instrumental music director’s talents were on full display at this year’s Rose Parade as part of the Band Directors Marching Band.
“It is very unique. There were 350 of us,” said Zettlemoyer.
It consists of instrumental music directors from schools in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Panama.
Zettlemoyer said this was his second time representing the school in the Rose Parade.
He said he applied to perform when he saw a TV ad in 2021.
“We had a float called saluting America’s Band Directors and that went over so well we were asked to perform at Macy’s and we did that in 2023 and that was a huge success and then we were asked to come back to the Rose Parade,” said Zettlemoyer.
Zettlemoyer said he was nervous the first time he performed in the parade, but knew the layout of everything this time.
“So, I was actually able to enjoy the whole aspect of just being there, performing, taking in the crowd and enjoying meeting with all of the friends I made the last few years,” said Zettlemoyer.
He said the performance was not about him.
Zettlemoyer wants to show his students the opportunities that are available.
“I have it as a band director, but as a musician you have life opportunities which can lead you in so many different directions and take you so many places, so just try to convey that to my students and that sense of pride and make them proud,” said Zettlemoyer.