LCHS Students Chosen for Parade Honor Band
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Eight La Cañada High School students have won coveted positions in the Pasadena City College Tournament of Roses Honor Band.
The honor band (including the band, herald trumpets and pageantry) performs each New Year’s Day as the host band of the Rose Parade. It includes high school students selected by audition and members of the Pasadena City College Lancer Marching Band. The students auditioned in October and have been rehearsing every Sunday since Thanksgiving.
“This is our 78th consecutive year in the Rose Parade,” said Kyle Luck, director of bands at PCC. “Ninety high school bands are represented [from] throughout Southern California.”
Two hundred high school students will join 80 PCC students in performing.
Although there are a good number of positions available, the competition is tough between the high schools. Students must not only be advanced in playing their instrument of choice but must be able to march the almost six miles of the Rose Parade route, Luck said.
“These kids [both at the high school and college level] are here because they really want it,” he said.
The band practices their marching skills weekly at Dodger Stadium.
“We march around and around,” said Kevin Kraft, one of the students in the band.
All the students agree it is not easy giving up their Sundays but the chance to march in the Rose Parade is well worth it.
The La Cañada High School students who won positions in the honor band are sophomore Charlie Davidson on tuba, junior Tim Elfman on trombone, freshman Kevin Kraft on alta saxophone, sophomore DeDe Mann on flute, senior Nicky Moura on trombone, senior Tylor Ose on trombone, sophomore Suzanne Stathatos on trumpet and freshman Gina Tucker on trumpet.
In addition to the Rose Parade, the students will also perform at three Bandfest concerts and at Disneyland. But the real reward for their hard work will begin at 4:30 in the morning on New Year’s Day when they line up for the Rose Parade and begin their long march that will be televised around the world.