AGE/GRADE: 15, sophomore

INSTRUMENT IN PASADENA: Piccolo. The instrument is about half the size of a flute and can sound an octave higher. On its own, it can sound shrill.

ELIZABETH ALSO PLAYS: Flute. In the parade in Pasadena, all flutists will be playing the piccolo because it can be heard more easily than a flute.

WHICH INSTRUMENT ELIZABETH PREFERS: "I love the piccolo. It's basically a miniature flute. The flute is so heavy and big."

HOW SHE WILL TRANSPORT HER PICCOLO TO CALIFORNIA: In her book bag.

WHY ELIZABETH LIKES BAND: "You make a lot of friends -- people you wouldn't otherwise talk to in school. That's good for you. You're getting outside your comfort zone."