Music educator Tony White will once again lead the All District High School Honor Band in their annual appearance in the Rose Parade on Tuesday, January 1. For the past three decades, the group has been marching under the able direction of this amazing educator. Tony worked as a music teacher at John C. Fremont High School for ten years. Although he currently works as a professional jazz musician playing the saxophone and clarinet, he is still heavily involved with music and arts education, serving as the music and entertainment coordinator in the LA Unified School District. “The challenge for me is maintaining both,” he asserts.
This chalkboard champion earned his Bachelor’s degree from University of California, Riverside, his teaching credential at Cal State Dominguez Hills, and his Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Pepperdine University.
The 390-member band is comprised of student musicians from all over the Los Angeles Unified School District. The group has appeared in the Rose Parade every year since 1973, and has also appeared in Super Bowls XI, XIV, and XVII. This impressive band is known for its energetic marching style and powerful brass. And, a little-known fact about this band is that both celebrated musicians Herb Alpert and John Williams were once participants.
You can learn more about the Los Angeles All District High School Honor Band at www.laallcityband.com. Be sure to watch their performance in the Rose Parade on New Year’s Day!