Home News HIGH SCHOOL BAND DIRECTOR PREPARES TO CHECK OFF HUGE BUCKET LIST ITEM

HIGH SCHOOL BAND DIRECTOR PREPARES TO CHECK OFF HUGE BUCKET LIST ITEM

5/12/2021

You will find all sorts of things from climbing Mount Everest or the Statue of Liberty to bungee jumping and making millions of dollars on people’s bucket lists. Near the top of Adrian Adams’ bucket list you find performing in the famous Rose Parade in Pasadena, California and at age 31, he is about to check that one off. Adams, a band director in his first year at Richland Northeast High School, has been selected to perform in the 2022 Tournament of Roses Parade, which is traditionally held on New Year’s Day prior to the college football Rose Bowl Game.

“My participation in this event is a dream come true. I am hoping this will bring a real sense of pride and inspiration to my students and to the community,” said Adams. “We will interact with almost 300 fellow band directors from great programs all over the country to share information and bring new techniques back to our home schools.”

Adams is one of three band directors in South Carolina to be chosen to march and play music in the parade. He was selected by submitting an application to the Michael D. Sewell Memorial Foundation. The organization has a float in the parade to recognize band directors across the country for the outstanding work that they do.

Richland Northeast High School principal Mark Sims says band directors and coaches are some of the most influential and inspiring teachers and role models in a student’s life. “They not only teach music and their craft, they teach many of the life lessons that will assist their students in becoming successful adults. Mr. Adams falls directly into that category and we will all be cheering him on in January.”

Adams holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Instrumental Music from Benedict College and Master of Education degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from the University of Phoenix. He is currently pursuing a second master's degree, the Master of Music in Music Education at the University of Florida in Gainesville, FL.