DeKALB — Michael Embrey, former NIU marching band director, will be “smelling the roses” as he marches in the 2022 annual Rose Parade.

“The band will be composed of up to 300 band directors from across the country and will pay tribute to the exceptional instruction, character development and inspiration provided by music educators everywhere,” according to the Saluting America’s Band Directors website.

The band will be made up of current and former band directors from all 50 states as well as Canada and Mexico. Three pieces that will be played by the band include “Seventy-Six Trombones,” “Stars and Stripes Forever,” and an original piece titled “The Gift of Time,” according to the news release.

Embrey, who’s performed on some very large stages including Normandy Beach, France in 2016, had high praise for his selection. 

“I am both honored and humbled to be selected to be part of this special organization,” Embrey said. “The Tournament of Roses Parade held in Pasadena, California, is the world’s most-watched parade.” 

The theme for the 2022 Rose Parade will be “Dream. Believe. Achieve.,” according to the  Pasadena Tournament of Roses website.

Embrey was the director of the NIU marching band from 1974 to 1984.

Embrey, who is a former member of the United States Air Force Drum and Bugle Corps, now owns his own company and is currently still involved and working in the musical field, according to the news release.

The parade will take place on Jan. 1 in Pasadena, California, according to an Oct. 14 news release.