Warren Band Marches in Hollywood Parade

Internationally televised, the Warren High School Band and Color Guard marched in the world-famous Hollywood Christmas Parade on Sunday down Hollywood Boulevard.A colossal event, the Warren band was ecstatic to be one of only 16 bands that were selected to march in this parade, many of which traveled from all over the country to be part of this exciting procession. The Hollywood Christmas Parade will be aired on Dec. 10 and 24 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. on MyNetwork Channel 13. "I've been watching this parade ever since I can remember, and now I'm going to actually be in it," said drum line member Fabian Chavez. "I'm going to TiVo this for sure." Several band members like Chavez all displayed similar enthusiastic reactions when mentioning their performance in the parade. "That's such a great opportunity, and they really deserve it," said junior Kaitlyn Zamora. "I'm really excited for them." The student body also recognized this to be a great event and occasion, and adamantly supported the band in their efforts and accomplishments. "I think the parade is going to be a great experience for the students and the families," said band director David Niemeyer during the week of preparation for the parade. "I think it's going to be a great opportunity for Warren High School and the Downey community to be nationally and internationally recognized for what we have here. We have a lot of great things going on here, all of our sports teams are doing great, our academics are doing great, and band's doing great. It just gives a chance to open up that avenue of visibility." Although Warren's band has marched in several parades beforehand, this was the first time in Warren history to ever have marched in the Hollywood Christmas Parade. Normally, in order to march in this famous parade, there is a selection process and each band must submit an application and fee. However, Niemeyer received a call several months ago from a Warren graduate that runs the company Pageantry Productions, and was asked if the Warren band was interested in participating in the Hollywood Christmas Parade. Niemeyer promptly accepted the invitation, recognizing it is an astounding honor to be invited to march when several other bands are still waiting in the selection process. "I think it's going to be something that the kids and their families can say 'you know I was part of that tradition' because it's such a huge parade that's so well known throughout the world, and it's broadcast in other countries as well," said Niemeyer. "So, I think that's the first and most important part of doing such an event like this." Truly a tradition, the Hollywood Christmas Parade has been running for over 80 years, and Warren High School was thrilled to be a part of that tradition this year. Throughout the parade, the band played several songs, including "Christmas Promenade," a traditional march song "Storm King," and for a fun atmosphere included "Lowrider."

********** Published: December 4, 2009 - Volume 8 - Issue 32