ROY -- A Roy High senior traveled more than 2,300 miles east for the opportunity of a lifetime.
Alex Boren, 18, has been selected to play the snare drum with the Great American Marching Band in the 83rd annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. Boren left Friday for the Big Apple and returns next weekend.
Students from all over the country were chosen based on their musical ability and past achievements. At least one student from each state is selected to participate. As far as he knows, Boren is the only representative from Utah in the 200-member band that will play in front of an estimated 2.5 million live spectators and 50 million television viewers.
Boren, who carries a 3.98 grade point average and scored 31 of a possible 36 on his ACT test, has played the snare drum since he was a sophomore. The idea of playing in front of so many people boggles his mind.
"That is kind of nerve-wracking to think about," said the 6-foot-3 senior with blonde hair. "But it's cool to be on TV and get to play with good musicians from around the country. It will also be fun to just have a good time."
RHS band director Joseph Windsor said Boren is the first student from Roy High to be selected for such an honor.
"I don't know too many who can say they have done this. It's a great honor for him, as well as our school and program," Windsor said. "He is the best overall percussionist that I have ever taught. Everything he does is top-notch."
Boren sent in an application and audition tape and was notified of his selection in April. It will cost him around $1,700 to make the trip, but he said the experience will be worth the expense.
His itinerary includes several rehearsals, a sightseeing cruise, a tour of the city, free time and performances. His family will stay home and watch him on TV.
Boren was also selected this week to play with the all-state band as a drummer, which means he is among the top 10 high school drummers in the state.
The all-state band will perform in a concert in January at Abravanel Hall. Windsor also expects Boren to compete for scholarship money as a Sterling Scholar in music.
"The world needs more Alexes. Not only is he a great music student, he is one of our top students and human beings in the school," Windsor said. "He is one of the most respectful people I have ever met. He deserves every honor he gets."
Boren, who passed four advanced placement classes for college credit last year and is in four more AP classes this year, plans to study music and math in college.
Depending on the scholarship offers, he is considering attending Northwestern University, the University of North Texas or Washington State University.
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