CHS drum major can represent the valley in Italy’s New Year’s Day parade

For 16-year-old Andrea Ni Li, it’s an opportunity of a lifetime.

A second-year drum major for the Calexico High school Marching band, Li defied the odds and was named an all American.

” Really hard to gain one. Because everyone won sweepstakes, championships like individually. So in my head I was like there’s no way have gotten it, ” said Li.

Leading a group of over 150 band students, Li said being a drum major has always been her passion.

” Seeing their emotions, seeing everything they express, it just pulled me in as an attraction to being a drum major. Music is able to express your emotions. Express how you feel. ”

Li’s band director Carlos Navarette , never doubted her potential.

” Leadership, mace work. Her talent, her vocal skills. Just her personality. ”

Li now has the chance to represent the valley in a new years day parade in Italy, but the price tag is a whopping $15,000 for her, her music director and a chaperone.

Navarette added, ” That’s going to include transportation. It’s going to include housing for her, it’s going to include the equipment she’ll get going out there. ”

Calexico High School Principal, Gabrielle Willams said the school is trying to help her reach that goal.

” Reaching out to local businesses. Reaching out to other educators. Again this is a community effort. And yes it highlights Calexico High School but more importantly, it highlights our community, Imperial Valley. The programs we have here for our students, ” said Williams.

Music has always been part of Li’s life.

To help Andrea on her trip to Italy you can click here.