Print

Email story

Comment

Email editor

Neighborhood news

Five Newsome seniors will sing in Rose Parade

They are part of a 100-student choir singing the national anthem on the lead float.

By MARY COLLISTER
Published December 22, 2006

Five seniors at Newsome High School have something special to do during their holiday vacation.

They will travel to Pasadena, Calif., to appear in the Rose Parade during the Tournament of Roses.

The tradition-laden Rose Parade might be old hat for some, but it will be a new experience for Sarah Clark, Thomas Desmond, James Fleming, Charlynn Knighton and Ryan Steiner.

They will have a great view of the parade route and spend New Year's Day morning atop the lead float. The National Anthem Project float will feature a 100-student chorus backing up the Oak Ridge Boys performing the national anthem.

The float is part of a nationwide effort to help students become more aware of the meaning of the national anthem, Knighton said.

"There have been other events this year throughout the nation, and we're very excited to take part in this one," she said.

This journey started with a simple question from Newsome music teacher Jeff Bogue.

He asked if anyone was interested. Four of the five students sent in an audition tape, which led to their inclusion. But for Steiner, who signed up a bit later, a telephone audition was required.

"I've always watched the parade and hoped to be there one day," he said. "I'll always remember being there."

A Dec. 29 flight to Los Angeles will get their experience started.

Their agenda is sprinkled with rehearsals, parties, float building and a visit to Knotts Berry Farm in Buena Park.

Also included is a performance at the Disney Magic Music Days at Disneyland in Anaheim.

"This will be my first trip to California and a once-in-a-lifetime experience," Fleming said.

The students all sing and play musical instruments.

Music is an important part of their lives, but right now, Clark is just excited to be traveling to California.

"I've never traveled out West, and it is very exciting to think about it," she said.

All five of the seniors plan to either major or minor in music when they start college next year.

The students and their families are responsible for all expenses and are looking for sponsors to help. For information, call the music department at (813) 740-4600, ext. 226.

[Last modified December 21, 2006, 07:35:16]