CONROE, Texas -- The Conroe High School Band is tuning up to blow the nation away, KPRC, Your Education Station, reported Wednesday.

On New Year's Day 2010, they will play in the invitation-only Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, Calif.

The Tiger Band last marched down Orange Grove in 1986. Decades later, they'll again represent the Lone Star State as the only Texas band selected.

As for their performance plans, Head Band Director Bobby Heathcock told KPRC Local 2, "I think we're going to alternate the 'Yellow Rose of Texas' and 'Deep in the Heart of Texas' and we're having some special oversized Texas flags made specifically for the parade. We're just going to go all Texas out."

For Sophomore Sydney Dennis, it's a dream come true.

She said, "I think it's really awesome because I used to watch it growing up and I always thought it would be really awesome to just go watch it and be there, and now we're actually going to be in it, so I think that's even cooler."

Classmate Brian Aninzo added, "I think it's a big honor to be picked out of a lot of bands. They're all great bands and I think we deserved it. We worked real hard."

It's bittersweet for the outgoing seniors who helped achieve this prestigious honor, but will have to watch their alma mater from the sidelines.

Senior Joshua David said, "It's a great job that we made it and even though I won't be a part of it, I think it's a good thing for Conroe."

Fellow Senior Gabriela Pina agreed, "I'm kind of sad, but I'm glad at least that I got to be part of the tradition that is going to be continued and people are going to remember this."

It will take $300,000 to bring 210 band students to the Tournament of Roses parade. It is a huge fundraising effort that relies heavily on the generosity of the Conroe community.

Conroe High Principal Mike Crowl explained, "There's a huge expense to this and we're going to need the support of the whole community and when we did it in 1985 for the '86 Rose Bowl, the community got behind us and we know they'll do it again."

Fundraising efforts are now under way and by this time next year, band members hope they will be packing their bags for sunny California.

If you would like to help the Conroe Tiger Band meet their goal to participate in America's New Year's Celebration, you can contact the Conroe Tiger Band Head Director Bobby Heathcock at bheathcock@conroeisd.net.