DOWNEY -- Warren High students Natalie Resendez, junior, and Sarah Gonzalez, senior, were recently chosen from over 600 auditioning students from high schools throughout Southern California to be a part of the Pasadena City College Rose Parade Honor Band.

The Honor Band only accepts 15 clarinet players, two of which are students attending Warren. Having to march 6 miles down Colorado Boulevard as they perform for the parade, the honor band consists of dedicated and exceptional young people ready to play their hearts out. The parade will be broadcast on television all over the nation, and even in other countries, to be viewed by millions on January 1st, New Year's’ Day.

Both girls specialize in playing the clarinet but can play a variety of instruments as well. Natalie has been playing the clarinet for six years, and Sarah has been playing the instrument for seven. They were thrilled upon hearing the news that they had been accepted for this remarkable opportunity and owe it to being a part of Warren’s outstanding band program.

Practicing and performing often, Warren’s band has grown over the years to become a competitive band of hardworking individuals who are constantly striving to bring success to their school.

“Being in band is really enjoyable even when it’s hard or tiring because seeing the payoff in the end makes me feel good,” says Natalie.

All their training certainly does not go unnoticed. On October 17, the band took 1st place at the Baldwin Park Field Tournament Show.

Natalie wishes to pursue music in the future and major in either music performance or music education, and Sarah would like to major in music performance or English literature while still playing her clarinet as part of a band.

There is no doubt Natalie and Sarah will find success in their future vocations with the experiences they have received from Warren High. Warren High School is proud of these two promising musicians and their accomplishments.

Any additional information about Warren’s band can be found on their website, warrenband.net.

Valerie Aguilar is a student reporter at Warren High School.