The Heritage High School Generals marching band will perform during the 2010 Fiesta Bowl Parade in Central Phoenix, Ariz., on Jan. 2.

The parade began in 1972 as a part of the festivities surrounding the Fiesta Bowl football game to be played on Jan. 4.

Blair Callaway has served as the Heritage High School band director for the school since its opened two years ago.

He has served as a band host for the Fiesta Bowl Parade every year.

Callaway said there wasn’t a specific trait of the band that set its 123 members apart, but enthusiasm to do parades and travel was necessary in making it to the bowl.

“Everyone is very excited,” Callaway said. “We have been doing a countdown for the last month. The school administration has been behind us 100 percent.”

In September 2008 the school was notified of the honor and has been practicing diligently ever since.

“It is a great honor for the band, especially in our second year,” Callaway said. “The parade is 1.75 miles long. We have been marching around the track at school for the 1.75 miles.”

“The band has worked very hard this year in preparing for this trip,” Callaway said.

Drum majors for the Heritage High School Generals marching band are Garrett Peace, Brandon McDonald and Matthew Schrader.