AGE/GRADE: 14, freshman

INSTRUMENT: Clarinet since the sixth grade. Clarinets are known for playing melodies and high parts. "Most people think the clarinet is pretty nerdy or girlie. The guys get dogged on because they're playing the clarinet. That's why I was thinking about switching to saxophone."

WHAT BRYAN LIKES ABOUT THE CLARINET: The instrument's range -- it takes practice to go from the lower notes to the higher notes without cracking. That skill can be applied to playing other woodwind instruments.

BIGGEST WORRY ABOUT PASADENA: "Just walking, it gets bumpy. It's easy to break a reed -- the piece of wood attached to the mouthpiece, which when you blow, vibrates and makes a noise."

REMEDY: The band director has the students roll their feet -- heel to toe -- kind of like a duck walk. It helps their heads from bobbing. It also prevents tripping.