SAN DIMAS/LA VERNE – Bonita Unified will continue its tradition of sending its best musicians to represent the District in the Rose Parade on New Year’s Day, after two students were selected to perform with the Tournament of Roses 2025 Honor Band on Jan. 1, 2025.

Bonita High sophomore Logan Martinez (flute) and San Dimas High senior Andrew Ward (snare drum) were both selected for the first time. Bonita High has sent a band member to the Rose Parade for seven consecutive years, excluding the 2021 parade, which was canceled, while San Dimas High musicians are being represented at the Rose Parade for the third consecutive year.

Ward learned the basics of playing drums when he was younger, but had largely stopped playing until his sophomore year when he began frequenting the band room, drawing the attention of San Dimas band co-director Lance Beckford, who encouraged Ward to try out for the marching band.

Ward quickly made an impact, with his enthusiasm and technique immediately endearing him to his percussion section bandmates. Ward said he is looking forward to meeting more of his peers in the Honor Band and at the annual Bandfest Rose Parade preview, held at Pasadena City College.

“Our snare group is very much a family, very tight with each other, like brothers,” Ward said. “Drumming is something I really enjoy doing, along with meeting new people, which is why I’m really looking forward to Honor Band and Bandfest. Being in band has given me a great appreciation of what it takes to make music. It’s something special when it all works.”

Ward added that he would like to continue playing in band in college, and likes the challenge of auditioning for future drum corps, but he feels his future will be in public service, and is looking into becoming a police officer or firefighter.

“Andrew is an amazing student. He started out just hanging around the band room, but now he’s one of our strongest musicians, helping to teach others,” Beckford said. “Andrew has made great strides. He couldn’t read music when he started, but he made a big leap between sophomore and junior year and has much better understanding. I’m proud that Andrew is keeping our legacy going.”

Martinez is a multi-instrumentalist who first began his music training on the piano, before he switched to flute in the seventh grade. Martinez said he loves the flute because it allows his creative nature to fully develop.

“I can sing through the flute and make it my own,” Martinez said. “I’m surprised and very happy that I got selected to Honor Band on my first try. I’ve seen friends make it in the past. Watching them perform in the Rose Parade, I thought ‘Hey, that could be me.’ So this is very exciting.”

In addition to flute, Martinez also plays vibraphone, an instrument he started playing as a freshman for Bonita High’s winter drumline. He also is a prolific writer who frequently transcribes and composes his own music. Marching band has proven to be a great fit for Martinez, offering the chance to meet new people, make connections and enjoy the full band experience, including camaraderie and shared moments within the ensemble.

Martinez takes every opportunity to expand his craft, most recently playing oboe for the Gold Wind Symphony during their last concert cycle. Martinez would like to continue pursuing music after high school, participating in community ensembles and looking towards a major in music education.

“It is always an honor to have one of our students chosen to participate in this esteemed ensemble,” Bonita High band director Jeff Bird said. “Logan is a very creative and driven individual. He excels in his academic classes, is a leader within his section, and is always willing to help out.”

PHOTOS:

BUSD_HONORBAND1: San Dimas High School senior Andrew Ward practices his technique on the snare drum after being selected to perform with the Tournament of Roses 2025 Honor Band on New Year’s Day. This is the third year in a row that a San Dimas band member has been chosen to march in the Rose Parade.

BUSD_HONORBAND2: Bonita High School freshman Logan Martinez will bring all of his Bearcat spirit to the Rose Parade after being selected to perform in the Tournament of Roses 2025 Honor Band on New Year’s Day. Martinez, a multi-instrumentalist, will play the flute.