TCHS is one of the two schools with ten students selected to march in the annual Rose Parade with Pasadena City College’s Tournament of Roses Honor Band on New Year’s Day. Hundreds of other contestants from different schools tried out on Oct. 14 to compete for limited spots in the band.
Junior Sydney Taylor decided to join as a tall flag in the Pageantry. After watching the parade on television and seeing two of her teammates perform, she was motivated to try out herself. During the week before auditions, Taylor prepared by practicing basic tosses and flag techniques.
“I’ve never spun flag in a parade before, so that element is new to me,” Taylor said. “I feel humbled and honored to be a part of something that goes back 90 years that is seen all over the world.”
Sophomore John Sunderman will play with the trumpet section in the Rose Parade. Although he did not make it in the band last year, he was motivated to audition again. To prepare for tryouts, he practiced often and received help from friends and teachers with his audition piece.
“I feel happy and excited to be part of the Honor Band,” Sunderman said. “It’s a once in a lifetime experience, and it’s really amazing to see how many musicians there are. You get to see other musicians and find out you have a lot to learn.”
Senior Genesis Vega will be performing with the Pageantry as a tall flag for the second year. She attended marching practices and practiced from 9AM-4PM last year, which helped her build endurance for the six mile route. To build stamina, Vega did full body workouts, went on runs and practiced some of the basic skills on flag.
“I feel very amazed and honored to be a part of such a worldwide parade,” Vega said. “Growing up, I used to watch it, but now, being a part of it is so surreal.”
Senior Madison Young joined the percussion section of the Honor Band as a tenor drum player to make the most of her senior year. During her tryout, she felt intimidated by the instructors and her competitors, but she made it into the band with the help of the hours she spent practicing and doing warm ups.
“I feel really lucky to be chosen to be part of the Honor Band,” Young said. “I’m very grateful to live in an area that allows me to be a part of such a prestigious group.”
TCHS School Newspaper