READY ON THE LINE VALLEY BAND KIDS HEAD FOR PARADE.

Byline: Peggy Hager Staff Writer

PALMDALE - When the Pasadena City College Honor Band marches in the Rose Parade for the 74th time this year, 19 of the 254 members will come from the Antelope Valley.

Since November, the teens have traveled to Pasadena 11 times for rehearsals and are putting in five preliminary performances, including one at Disneyland, before they march in the 5.5-mile parade on Wednesday in front of a million spectators and a worldwide television audience.

``It's just like you're on adrenaline all the time,'' said Sharisse Deal, 16, of Quartz Hill High School, a flag bearer marching in her second Tournament of Roses. ``It's really cool just to see so many people out there.''

Ten of the local teenagers come from Littlerock High School, the most the school has ever sent; four come from Palmdale High School and two each from Quartz Hill and Lancaster high schools, plus one college student.

``That's a large number for people coming distances. It's amazing how far some people are willing to drive,'' said Dr. Alyson McLamore, assistant band director at Pasadena City College.

The band will play four tunes in the parade: ``Everything's Coming Up Roses,'' which it plays every year; ``Thunder and Blazes,'' a traditional march; and two songs that fit the Rose Parade theme of ``Children's Dreams, Wishes and Imagination'': ``The Flintstones'' theme and ``A Muppet Medley,'' arranged for the band.

Cindy Harris will watch her daughter, Chelsea, a Littlerock High School senior and trumpet player, march in the parade after dropping her off in Pasadena for her 5 a.m. call time New Years Day.

``I was so proud and so amazed,'' said Cindy of her daughter's selection for the band. ``What a once-in-a-lifetime thing to happen. It makes it worth all those trips.''

California high school students are invited each year to audition for a spot performing with members of the Pasadena City College Lancer marching Band for the Rose Parade.

After being accepted into the band, the students must enroll in Pasadena City College's music program. They will earn two college credits after completion of the program.

``They do this out of the generosity of their hearts,'' said McLamore, the assistant band director. ``Some get community service credit for their schools, college credit, and they get a little local fame. It's the same spirit that drives people to perform in music much of the time - just the love of doing it.''

To prepare for the parade, the students have marched 20 to 25 miles around Dodger Stadium.

``It's really hard, but it's fun because you get to really experience what it's going to be like the day of the parade, so you get a feel of what you're getting yourself into,'' explained Deal.

Deal said she knew after last year's parade that it was something she wanted to do again.

``It's such an amazing opportunity; I really enjoy color guard and it gives me something fun to do over winter break,'' Deal said.

Local teens marching with the band, which is directed by James Arnwine, are:

--Douglas Almiron, of Palmdale, playing the snare drum.

--From Palmdale High School are Jimmy Austin, tenor sax; Francisco Castaneda, trombone; Gabe Escobedo, banner; and Shannon McNerney, tall flag.

--From Littlerock High School are Tim Cruz, snare; Lora Curtiss, tall flag; Alex Garcia, mallet/percussion; Diego Garcia, flute; Katie Guyton, banner; Chelsea Harris, trumpet; Dorothy Roe, banner; Jayson Sanders, trumpet; Arthur Tyson, tuba; and Christian Villalta, clarinet.

--From Quartz Hill High School are Sharisse Deal, tall flag, and Andrae Johnson, snare drum and herald trumpet.

--From Lancaster High School are Cassie Jaramillo, banner and Kevin Rasch, tuba.

CAPTION(S):

2 photos

Photo:

(1 -- color) Lined up are Antelope Valley members of the Pasadena City College Honor Band, waiting for their big moment on Wednesday.

( 2 -- color) Andrae Johnson, snare drum and herald trumpet player from Quartz Hill High School, stands ready during practice with the Honor Band at Dodger Stadium.

John McCoy/Staff Photographer