Omar Jimenez, left, and Dimitry Stegnitz, both 17 and residents of Boyle Heights, were elementary school friends who resumed their friendship at Roosevelt High School after attending different middle schools. When they reconnected, they discovered that they are both trumpeters and have an interest in music-related careers. Both are members of LAUSD’s All-District Honor Marching Band.
Boyle Heights–Omar Jimenez and Dimitry Stegnitz, childhood friends from Boyle Heights, lost touch but reunited through music.
The 17-year-old Boyle Heights teens reconnected after both transferred to Roosevelt High School.
“We ended up almost on the same path,” Jimenez said.
Seniors Jimenez and Stegnitz are preparing for their third and fourth appearances, respectively, in Pasadena’s Tournament of Roses Parade as members of the LAUSD All-District Honor Marching Band. Both say the experience remains as exciting as the first time.
“It feels like nothing has changed,” Stegnitz said. Marching the 5.5-mile parade route is grueling and requires hours of preparation, but “it’s worth it every time.”
Jimenez’s first parade coincided with his birthday, January 2, which only happens when January 1 falls on a Sunday. He was struck by the thousands of spectators lining the streets and the millions watching on television.
“This is when the All-City band gets to shine,” he said.
They both play trumpet, but followed different musical paths.
They met at Evergreen Avenue Elementary but went to different middle schools. Jimenez, who first wanted to act, was inspired to join music and later transferred to Roosevelt after a brief time at Torres High.
Stegnitz transferred from Eagle Rock to Roosevelt for the mariachi program, inspired by his grandmother. He now plays trumpet with Mariachi Olimpico and another group, learning music on his own at first.
The two reconnected during their freshman year when they ran into each other at a corner store on Cesar Chavez Avenue, both carryiang instruments.
Both plan to continue developing as musicians in college. Jimenez, now Roosevelt’s drum major, has worked with other students and hopes to become a music educator.
“Being able to teach others and guide others has been a blessing for me,” he said.
Stegnitz plans to pursue a career as an audio engineer. He hopes to help musicians from across the city, including those who gather at Mariachi Plaza, reach a wider audience.
“These musicians are great. They just need a platform,” he said. “I want to be able to share their music and give them a platform to share their music.”
Learn more about the All-District Honor Marching Band.
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