Pride Bands adds to our Rose Parade® artistic leadership team
October 7, 2025
WASHINGTON, DC — Pride Bands Alliance is excited to announce the addition of Kory Flores and Craig Bunch as Assistant Band Directors for our massed band appearance in the 2027 Rose Parade® presented by Honda. They will join Band Director Laura Blake in leading the artistic vision and performance preparation for this milestone event.
“Kory and Craig bring extraordinary leadership, creativity, and passion to our team,” said Laura. “Together, we will build an unforgettable experience that highlights the artistry and spirit of Pride Bands Alliance.”
Kory Flores is Head Drum Major for the Queer Big Apple Corps in New York City where she leads a team of drum majors, organizes rehearsals, and helps coordinate parade formations. She also served as Head Drum Major for Pride Bands World Pride 2025 appearance in Washington, D.C.
Professionally, Kory is an Event Producer for Amelia Lin Co and Senior Fitness Trainer at Rumble Boxing. She is looking forward to combining her love of music and wellness to help band members prepare for the physical demands of the Rose Parade’s 6-mile route.
“It is an honor to uplift our members to bring their best: musically, emotionally, mentally and physically. I cannot wait to see what we bring to Pasadena,” said Kory.
Craig Bunch is Conductor of the Rose City Symphonic Band, the newest wind ensemble of the Rose City Pride Bands in Portland.
Outside of Pride Bands, Craig is a Staff Sergeant and Clarinetist in the United States Army Reserve. He serves professionally as the Director of Bands and Orchestra at Hudson’s Bay High School and Jason Lee Middle School in Vancouver, Washington.
“I’m excited to be part of this historic event with a fantastic team to help showcase the musical and artistic voices of Pride Bands Alliance membership,” Craig said.
On New Year’s Day 2027, Pride Bands Alliance will be the first LGBTQ+ community group to march in the Rose Parade’s 138-year history. With this core artistic leadership team now in place, planning is underway to unite LGBTQ+ performers from across the country in a once-in-a-generation opportunity to celebrate music, visibility and pride.
“This moment is bigger than just a parade,” added Laura, “it’s a chance for our community to be seen, heard and celebrated on one of the world’s largest stages.”
About Pride Bands Alliance
Pride Bands Alliance is a membership organization of LGBTQ+ community concert and marching bands from cities around the world. Formerly Lesbian and Gay Band Association, we were founded in 1982 as Lesbian and Gay Bands of America when seven independent bands met formally in Chicago. For more than 40 years, Pride Bands Alliance has grown to include 37 member organizations in the United States, Canada, Australia and England.
About the Pasadena Tournament of Roses® and Rose Parade® presented by Honda
The Tournament of Roses is a volunteer organization that hosts America’s New Year Celebration® with the Rose Parade® presented by Honda, the Rose Bowl Game® and a variety of accompanying events. The Association’s 935 volunteer members supply more than 80,000 hours of manpower, which will drive the success of the 138th Rose Parade, on Monday, January 1, 2027, followed by the 113th Rose Bowl Game. For more information, visit tournamentofroses.com.
Contact:
Board of Directors, Pride Bands Alliance
