Trevor Ousey (center) with his mother Cindy and his father Shane

Honor Band members come from 206 schools nationwide and represent 42 states. The band will be the largest national honor band ever assembled. It will be the first to appear in a national parade in over a decade when it marches in the 2005 Tournament of Roses Parade, January 1.

Selection was based on audio submissions accompanied by a set of written recommendations and a formal application. Selected applicants were notified of membership in August 2003. This timeline enabled the students and their families to plan for the $1,400 financial commitment and to make appropriate travel arrangements. It also enabled students to meet other selected musicians from their region and begin lifetime relationships.

Through the year–and–a–half long journey, Ousey has partnered with a fellow selected band member from Dorman High School in Spartanburg to make travel arrangements.