Karen is the President of The Michael D. Sewell Memorial Foundation that is based in Pickerington, Ohio. More importantly, she was wife of long time music educator Michael D. Sewell who was involved in music education for over 38+ years in Pickerington, Ohio and the state of Ohio. Mike unfortunately passed away in April of 2017…and Karen felt that his visions and goals just weren't finished….so the Foundation was formed in May 2017 and by September 2017 the Foundation had secured an invitation for the combined Pickerington Bands to march in the 2019 Rose Parade to honor Mike Sewell, and had begun laying the ground work for the eventual formation of a band of band directors AND a stunning Rose Parade float to salute music educators around the world! One of Mike's favorite sayings was, "Go Big or go home!"…and we have adopted that as a major guideline in all of our efforts. Like all great "band love" stories…Mike and Karen met on the first day of band camp at Otterbein College in Westerville, Ohio in fall of 1975. Mike was a shy, dedicated trombone/low brass major and Karen was in band for the band and social aspects….along the way earning a BA in Fine Arts English concentration with a minor in Speech/theater. They enjoyed making music together and spending time with students which grew into a marriage at Christmastime in 1979. Mike and Karen went to the Rose Parade and Bowl game for their honeymoon and during the parade, Mike told Karen that he would have a band in the parade someday….and he did…in 1993, 1997, 2006, and 2009 AND the combined Pickerington Bands marched in his honor in 2019. In 2022 The Band of Band Directors 300 strong took to the streets in Pasadena making Rose Parade history as the first ever COMBINED band and float entry. They liked us…because we were awarded The Sweepstakes Award for the most entertaining entry. We had so much fun in 2022 that we decided to "do it again" and were invited to participate in the 2023 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade! Once again we made parade history with 400 band directors for Macy's first ever band composed entirely of music educators! There is no doubt that this amazing team we have assembled can lead you in an amazing adventure and performances in the 2025 Rose Parade.

Mike Sewell was all about his students and music program and anything that could focus a shining light on the value of music education. He passed way too soon and Karen and her family (Sewell and band) felt that a foundation that focused on highlighting music educators and offered "bucket list" opportunities would be an amazing way to continue Mike's legacy. Working with the Rose Parade officials to bring a special, one-of-a-kind band based entirely of New England band students and teachers….right up Mike Sewell's "to do" list! Mike's other favorite saying was, "The greatest gift you can give someone is your time."

We hope you will think about sharing some of your valuable time to create a life changing experience! Come Join Us! Go Band!