‘How sweet the sound’: The story behind a viral Rose Parade musical moment

Joshua Boyd and his daughter Emily, 8, in a photo before her 2018 death. A viral performance by the Band Directors Marching Band on Dec. 31 was dedicated in part to her memory. (Photo courtesy of Joshua Boyd)

Emily would have loved it.

The giant cartoon band leader waving its arms, the riot of flowers on floats outside, all the musicians in one place. But maybe not the sight of her Dad, in gray fleece and black pants, trying not to weep into his trombone.

“I don’t think she would have teased me,” Joshua Boyd said.