Yet another Selma High graduate has taken part in this year’s 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China.

But unlike Selma’s Andrea Duran, who's playing third base with the USA Softball Women’s National team, Selma High grad Aaron Luna helped entertain crowds with pre-Olympics music performances.

Luna left for China just over two weeks ago to play clarinet in the Beijing 2008 Olympic Orchestra, an ensemble comprised of 2,008 young musicians from around the world.

During their pre-Olympics performances, the orchestra performed in Tiananmen Square, at the Great Wall of China as well as in the Tianjin Olympic Centre Stadium.

Luna — a 2007 Selma High grad and incoming sophomore at California State University-Fresno — is joined on this trip by 24 other past and present members of the Fresno State Bulldog Marching Band. They are accompanied by Fresno State Director of Bands Gary Gilroy, as well as Fresno State alumnus David Glyde.

According to a Fresno State News press release, Gilroy had been selected for the Olympic Orchestra’s artistic team by World Projects International Music Productions, a company from Vallejo that organizes international tour performances.

Besides their performances, members of the orchestra have taken in many of China’s cultural spots, including Beijing’s Imperial Palace as well as tour the city of Shanghai.

Luna’s family said they believe this is a wonderful experience for their son.

Aaron’s mother, Estella, said she’s proud of her son and thinks he’s having the time of his life in China.

"I just think it’s been an exciting experience for him,"she said. “It’s something he’s gonna remember for the rest of his lifeâ€- when can we look back and say we got to go to Beijing.â€�

According to Estella, her son’s dream is to teach music someday at a university.

First though, Luna is aiming to get his bachelor’s degree, then pursue a master’s degree and doctorate in music education.

Luna’s father, Alfred, echoed his wife’s happiness for their son.

"I’m so proud of him," Alfred Luna said. "It was a great opportunity for him and (it’s) something he’ll always look back on and say ‘I was there.’"

Even those who knew Luna at Selma High think this is a great opportunity.

"I think it’s wonderful because he wants to pursue a career in music," said Gina Mechigian, dean of instruction at Selma High. "And this is just a great experience for him, to be able to go to China and experience a whole new culture, and the Olympics."