Elgin teen and his trumpet to march in Rose Parade

When Abraham Fuentes first picked up a trumpet six years ago, he didn't know of the magical places it would take him.

But he'll be taking his trumpet to Disneyland and will also play in the Rose Parade in California.

The 16-year-old Larkin High School sophomore will travel to the West Coast over holiday break. He is the only Elginite in the 53-member Salvation Army Metro Youth Band, which counts many people from Rockford.

Fuentes has marched in numerous parades, including Elgin's Fourth of July parade.

This will be the largest by far, with the band teaming up with others to make a formation of 200-plus people.

Fuentes isn't nervous, but said the parade could be tiring.

"I have a lot of people next to me, so there's nothing to worry about." he said. "It wouldn't be that noticeable if I messed up. (The parade) is six miles long."

Fuentes initially joined the marching band at Larkin and was intrigued by the Salvation Army band after attending summer band camps in Wisconsin.

Fuentes leaves today and returns Jan. 3. His parents, Nadia and Henoch Fuentes, will join him along with way.

He said he is grateful to his parents, band directors at the Salvation Army and Larkin, and Jesus Christ for the opportunity.

The trip also includes performances at Disneyland and the Crystal Cathedral, a church in Garden Grove, Calif.

The band will visit Hollywood and play a mix of Broadway tunes, marches, Salvation Army music, Latin and jazz music in the Rose Parade, which is a warm up for the Rose Bowl. It starts at 10 a.m. central time on New Year's Day.

Fuentes plans to go to college to major in medicine or business.

And, he admits, he doesn't really care who wins the football game: the Ohio State Buckeyes or Oregon Ducks.

He is a soccer fan.