TURNER – L.J. Neal, a junior at Leavitt Area High School, has been selected by Bands of America for the National Honor Band in the 2005 Tournament of Roses Parade.

Neal was selected among hundreds of applicants across the nation for membership in the honors ensemble. She is the daughter of John and Robin Neal. Her band director is William Buzza.

The Bands of America Honor Band is a 400-piece Nationals Ensemble with 300 winds, 40 percussion and a 60-member flag and dance team. George N. Parks, director of the University of Massachusetts Minuteman Marching Band, and an all-star staff will direct the band. Bands of America is the nation’s largest presenter of educational festivals, events and workshops for high school bands.

Neal, a trumpet player, will spend a week in southern California. She will have rehearsals and performances at the Tournament of Roses Bandfest and Disneyland, special activities and a featured appearance in the parade, which will kick off at 8 a.m. on New Year’s Day. The 5.5 mile parade will air Jan. 1 on many television stations.

The parade is also seen in 28 countries around the world. Floral floats, marching bands and equestrian units anchor the traditional two-hour spectacle along Pasadena’s Colorado Boulevard.

Learn more about the Tournament of Roses at www.tournamentofroses.com and Bands of America at www.bands.org.