MARLBOROUGH – Five Marlborough High School students will kick off the new year at the 136th Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena.
Allison Ryan, Riley Michaels, Lalli Pylore, Giada Young and Megan Fanelli will perform as part of the New England Honor Band, comprising more than 300 members from the six New England states.
According to Young, a senior who plays the sousaphone, the students first heard about the band through Angie Crockwell, a former MHS music teacher. Crockwell learned about the honor band while performing in the 2022 Tournament of Roses Parade.
The five students were nominated by Crockwell.
“I am very proud of our students for their continued growth and dedication to excellence,” said MHS Director of Bands James Verdone. “This opportunity is a culmination of years of hard work.”
Ryan is a junior who plays the trombone; Michaels is a senior who plays the clarinet; Pylore is a senior who plays the piccolo; and Fanelli is a senior who plays the trumpet.
Upon being nominated, prospective band members filled out online application forms; after review, they were invited to join.
After they were accepted in the spring, band members began preparing for the performance. They received their part assignments for four numbers, including “Sweet Caroline,” “Colonial March” and “Boston 2025.”
“You have to really memorize your part,” said Fanelli.
Band members met Edward Morales, the Tournament of Roses Parade president, in early September in Leominster.
The honor band conducted its first formal rehearsal on Saturday, Dec. 21, at UMass-Amherst.
The band members will fly to California on Friday, Dec. 27. From there, the band will rehearse for three to four days at the Rose Bowl, and then take in the sights.
“We get to see them make the floats” for the parade, said Ryan.
In addition, band members will visit Disneyland, the Santa Monica pier, and other venues.
Each band member will receive a uniform (hat, shirt, vest and sash) that they will get to keep.
“These students exemplify the excellence of our music program. They have all worked very hard for this opportunity and recognition. They will make us very proud in Pasadena,” said MHS Principal Daniel Riley.
For those tuning in, the band will be on TV about 12:12 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
For information about the New England Honor Band, go to https://www.newenglandhonorband.com/
