The entries in the Calgary Stampede Parade vary from year to year, but one constant has been the Stampede Showband and its place at the forefront of the kickoff to the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.

The band has been recognized globally as one of the best showbands in the world, an accomplishment which reflects on the commitment and dedication of Mike Jewitt.

Jewitt’s relationship with the band began in the early 1990’s when he joined as a musician. His love of music led him to pursue and secure a career as a music teacher with the Calgary Board of Education and, in 2008, he returned to Stampede Park as the director of the Stampede bands.

This year, Jewitt was named the youth development manager for The Young Canadians School of Performing Arts, which has him overseeing the band and The Young Canadians.

“It's a tremendous honour,” says Jewitt. “Looking back at my experiences and watching the current experiences of our members, it just brings great joy to watch students try an opportunity, try to achieve to the next level.”

The showband is like a family as most of the instructors are former band members. The director's baton was passed from Jewitt to Aaron Park, who also came up through the ranks. Aaron says he learned a lot working under Jewitt the past few years.

“He's definitely a driven person,” said Park. “We’ve been working together for a long time and he's extremely passionate about this group and what he does and helps us all get to a high level and so it's been an amazing ride.”

The ten days of Stampede are incredibly busy for the showband. Once the parade is over, the focus switches to other Stampede events including the nightly grandstand show.

When Stampede concludes, the band will head to South America where they will attempt to add their list of world championships.

“The band has won, to date, four world championships,” said Jewitt. “Three in Calgary, one in Japan and they're actually going for their fifth title this summer in Brazil.”

Two of the championships were won with Jewitt at the helm but this time it will be Aaron Park leading the band. Park acknowledges the continuing role Jewitt plays in the band’s success.

“We've been a great team and we'll continue to work that way,” said Park.

For all he's done and continues to do to make the Calgary Stampede Marching Showband one of the best bands in the world, Mike Jewitt is this week’s Inspiring Albertan.

With files from CTV's Darrel Janz