WHS sophomore trumpets in Rose Parade

BLOW, GABRIEL, BLOW—The Herald Trumpet Line marches in the 2006 Rose Parade. Westlake High School’s Morgan Berliner was part of the elite group of horn players who performed at this year’s New Year’s celebration. Berliner would like to attend USC and play in the marching band. Morgan Berliner, a sophomore at Westlake High School, began the new year by marching to the beat of a special drum. The 15year-old trumpeter participated in the Tournament of Roses Parade as a member of the elite Herald Trumpet line.

The Heralds, a 10-member unit consisting of nine trumpets and one snare drum, traditionally march in front of the car or float that carries the tournament queen and her court.

The band is sponsored by the Pasadena City College and is directed by Kevin Brown.

Competition for the acclaimed group is quite stiff. This year nearly 80 trumpeters from across Southern California auditioned for the Heralds.

“I just saw a big sign on the band room door talking about tryouts for the tournament, and my parents told me they really wanted me to do it,” Berliner said.

After being selected for the group, Berliner began a rigorous training period. Besides learning the songs, the band members had to march over 30 miles during training while playing their instruments.

“It took a lot of hard work and dedication, but the reward of being able to play at the tournament was well worth it,” Berliner said.

The trumpeter’s hard work paid off, and the members were rewarded with the opportunity to play at some choice venues. Besides marching through the driving rain during the Rose Parade, the Herald Trumpets performed at Disneyland, Sam’s Club in Newport Beach and on the KTTV show “Morning in LA.”

“Playing on television was a great experience,” Berliner said. “I was so nervous because the taping was live, but as it went on I got more comfortable and remembered that I love performing for people.”

Berliner has been playing the trumpet since the fourth grade. She currently plays in her school’s wind symphony and marching band.

“I was going to play the clarinet, but it was too difficult,” Berliner said. “After I started playing the trumpet I realized it was a fun instrument and I stuck with it.”

Berliner would like to attend USC to play in the marching band and study music.

“I love band,” said Berliner. “I’m a total band geek.”