Parade officials chose seven musicians from local high school bands to perform in the Tournament of Roses Honor Band and Color Guard.

The honorees will march down Colorado Boulevard on New Year's Day for five-and-a-half miles Thursday.
The local students spent their winter vacation practicing the Rose Parade music.

The honor is considered by many to be a chance of a lifetime and among the most prestigious honors in the field of music.

Saugus participants include Eric Holzmann, cymbals; Aaron Huffman, sousaphone; Josiah Morales, baritone; Michelle Patterson, color guard; Taylor Ritenour, trombone; and Heather Weber, banner. Roxanne Windover, from West Ranch High School, will play tenor sax.

Band members are selected from throughout southern California.