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Current Master of Music in Music Education student, Caleb Bradley, will be marching as part of the in the 2026 Rose Bowl Parade. Bradley, a third-year teacher and band director, is one of 500 band directors selected from across the nation.

SABD is a project of the Michael D. Sewell Memorial Foundation, created in 2017, to carry on the legacy of the late Mike Sewell, longtime band director in the Pickerington, Ohio school system. The project was launched to recognize and celebrate the extraordinary dedication and accomplishments of band directors everywhere. SABD created The Band Directors Marching Band, which has marched in the 2022 Rose Parade with 270 members and, most recently, in the 2023 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade with 400 members.

“Being selected for this is an honor. In a career aspect, this is something that I can now say I was a part of, and I did go and do it. I am also glad to say that when I am there, I am not only representing Ohio, I am representing my school district, my alma mater, my hometown and my current town. The only way I can think of this is it is a huge honor.”

Bradley is looking forward to all the camaraderie and learning at SABD. This opportunity allows him to talk to other band directors and listen to their unique perspectives.

A Passion for Music Education

Bradley currently teaches grade 5-12 at Newcomerstown Exempted Village School District in Ohio. As the Director of Bands, Bradley leads a variety of classes and ensembles such as jazz band, general music, concert band and marching band. Bradley received his bachelor's degree from Marietta College in 2023 and is currently working on his Master of Music in Music Education degree at �þ���ҹ����ӰԺ��ѹۿ�.

Even from a young age, Bradley always knew he wanted to help others. “If you would ask my family, they would tell you stories about me being a chef or a vet,” said Bradley, “but it wasn't until my Junior year of High School that I truly knew that Music Education was the path for me.” He was surrounded by family members who worked in education but knew he wanted to specialize in something he was passionate about. Having participated in band since sixth grade, Bradley found music education.

Bradley credits his passion for teaching to his mother and close friends, Becky Wagner and Casey Wagner.  His mom started as an elementary teacher, later becoming a principal. “I loved going to work with her,” he said. “She is my go-to person when I need to talk ‘education’ with someone. She does so well with students, and I have seen the passion burn brightly my entire life.” His other mentors, Becky and Casey Wagner, helped Bradley develop his passion for music. Becky Wagner served as principal when Bradley’s mother was a teacher and her husband Casey, served as the assistant director of music at a neighboring school. Bradley always reaches out to them for advice on teaching. Both are still teaching and mentoring him in music education.

Looking to refine his craft and become a better educator, Bradley sought out a graduate program to fit his needs. “Music is something that has been changing for as long as time and there is always something new to learn,” said Bradley. “This could be a new theory, a new technique, or even a way to keep the same techniques but a different way to approach those steps.” He also wanted to connect and learn from different professors and different people in the same field.

When looking for a place to continue his education, Bradley knew he needed a university that would allow him to continue his full-time job and be flexible when it came to learning. “I had heard about �þ���ҹ����ӰԺ��ѹۿ� State and I went ahead and asked for more information. I later found out that one of the educators I studied under also did this program, and that really helped seal the deal.” Bradley talked to faculty and alumni at the Ohio Music Education Association Conference and then sent in an application. Bradley is currently working on his degree online during the fall and spring semesters.

In his free time, Bradley participates in the Dominic Greco Band in Tuscarawas County. Along with music performances, he is also a pilot member in the Foundation of Appalachian Ohio Fellowship program, which is a non-profit that aids in benefiting Appalachian communities in Ohio. He is also a proud member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks at lodge 1555 in Newcomerstown and a member of the Newcomerstown Fire Department Auxiliary team.

Look for Bradley in the Rose Bowl Parade on Jan. 1, 2026. For more information on �þ���ҹ����ӰԺ��ѹۿ� State’s Master of Music in Music Education program, visit www.kent.edu/musicedonline.