By Maysen Marolda
Staff Writer
Junior Noelle Davidson twirled her flags all the way from Costa’s color guard to performing in the Tournament of Roses Parade on New Years Day.
The Rose Parade is an annual parade that occurs every New Year’s Day in Pasadena, California. It is a celebration over a century old and includes a festival of flowers, music, and sports. The parade is America’s New Year Celebration, a greeting to the world on the first day of the year, and a salute to the community spirit in Pasadena for more than 100 years.
“It was a major honor to perform at the parade because not many people can say they can perform at the Rose Parade, as it is a huge celebration and well-known all around the world,” Davidson said.
Davidson joined color guard her freshman year of high school. She was inspired by her mom, Darnella Davidson, who was part of a marching band in the past, and is currently a band director at San Pedro High School. She says her favorite part about being in color guard is getting to know the lengthy routines and being able to perform with her friends.
“Noelle has always been a hard worker on the team,” Costa Colorguard program director and tall flags coach, Stefani Owen said. “She is one of the quieter members that will put her head down and work when she needs to. The greatest part about having her on the team is her using that as a way to lead others through her actions as opposed to through her words.”
The auditions for a spot in the parade were hosted at El Sereno High School in early December. Noelle Davidson was able to audition since her mom was the assistant director of the marching band. About 110 students auditioned to performed tall flags, while only 42 made it.
“The audition was kind of hard, but I have had a lot of experience in the past by being in Costa’s color guard so it was easier for me since I was not apprehensive while performing,” Davidson said.
Preparation for the performance in the parade entailed practicing every day over winter break from 8 AM to 4 PM at Dodger Stadium. Noelle Davidson says although it was a lot of work, it was a rewarding experience.
“I am so proud to have my daughter march in the parade with me…it is a dream come true,” Davidson’s mom, Mrs. Davidson said. ”I have pictures of Noelle practicing with the band when she was in elementary school so it’s great to finally see her perform with us in the grandest of all parades.”
Noelle Davidson says being able to perform with people who share the same passion as her was a valuable experience. She plans on auditioning next year to continue her prosperity and meet new people who all show the same devotion to.
“Performing in the Rose Parade is a unique opportunity that very few get to experience and something that a lot of color guard performers aspire to do someday,” Owen said. “It is very competitive to earn a spot to perform at the Rose Parade, so I am very proud of Noelle. It is a great accomplishment that she was able to audition so I am glad it paid off for her.”
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