Verdugo High Student to Lead Honor Band

For the second consecutive year, a Verdugo Hills High School student will help lead the Los Angeles Unified School District’s All-District Honor Band in the annual Tournament of Roses parade.

Drum major Melvin Reyes, a senior at Verdugo Hills High, was one of three students selected to lead the all-star band, which will make its 25th consecutive appearance at the parade on New Year’s Day.

“Being a drum major is a very important position,” said Don Doyle, a music advisor for L.A. Unified.

“Not only does the drum major keep the band together timing-wise, but he also provides the esprit de corps that is really necessary.”

Officials said the band consists of the district’s finest marching band musicians and auxiliary performers, most of whom try out after being recommended by their high school instructors.

“We look for accuracy, skill and leadership ability,” Doyle said.

Band members will begin practicing in November for a series of events, highlighted by the Rose Parade on Jan. 1, Doyle said.

The other students selected to be drum majors with the all-district band are Mario Granados, a junior at Fremont High School in South-Central Los Angeles, and Paul Denni, a junior at San Pedro High School.

Paul and Mario also were selected last year.