The appearance will be the first in the Rose Parade for the Fishers High School band.

The Fishers High School Marching Tiger Band has been selected to perform in the 2028 Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, Hamilton Southeastern Schools announced.

The New Year’s Day performance will be the band’s first appearance in the Rose Parade and another national spotlight for the program, which performed in the 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

More than 200 students learned of the selection during a surprise announcement Aug. 29, following a full day of rehearsals.

“We are honored to show the world the dedication and commitment behind performing arts at Fishers High School,” band director Elijah Gardner said. “Our students are thrilled to take part in one of the largest New Year’s Day celebrations in the world and perform on an international stage.”

According to the school district, Fishers is one of 10 high school bands selected through an international application process. The 2028 group includes bands from Colombia, Costa Rica, Japan, Puerto Rico and the United States.

The official Rose Parade route covers 5.5 miles, beginning near Green Street and Orange Grove Boulevard before continuing along Colorado Boulevard and ending at Villa Street.

Getting the band to Pasadena will require a major logistical and fundraising effort. The group expects to travel about 4,000 miles round trip with more than 200 students. Two box trucks and a semi-trailer will carry instruments, uniforms and other equipment.

The band has launched an online fundraising campaign to help cover the trip.

“Our students are eager to put their hard work on display and return to Fishers with new friends, new stories and a camera roll full of memories,” Gardner said. “We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to represent Fishers, Indiana, in the 2028 Rose Parade.”

HSE Superintendent Matt Kegley said the invitation reflects the students’ talent, discipline and hours of preparation.

“What an incredible moment for these students, their families and all of Fishers High School,” Kegley said. “We could not be prouder to see the Marching Tiger Band carry the HSE Schools and Fishers name onto an international stage.”

HSE Schools estimates that more than 700,000 spectators will watch the parade in person, with millions more following broadcasts around the world.