Western Brown senior Isaac Bernhardt, a clarinetist; sophomore Rebekah Bernhardt, an alto saxophonist; and senior Kaiya Schaffner, a mellophone player; were welcomed into marching in the Macy’s Day Parade. Photo provided
Three Western Brown High School students earned the unique opportunity of participating in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade held on Thursday, November 24, 2022 in New York City. Tyler Hawk, band director of Western Brown High School’s marching band, expressed his sincere pride for the three students at their accomplishment as well as the rest of the marching band. In order to perform in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the students had to audition by performing the music they’ve been practicing. They also have a marching audition. Each section is recorded as a video then submitted online. When auditions first opened, Hawk encouraged everyone in his band to try for the opportunity. Macy’s received submissions from bands across the country, comparing every students’ talents against one another.
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a renowned Thanksgiving celebration occurring the day of that holiday. The tradition dates far back to 1924 and has continued to expand every year. The 2022 year marked the 96 annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade featuring 16 massive character balloons, 40 inflatables, 700 clowns, 28 floats, and 10 performance groups. The parade requires significant planning, expenses, coordination, and roles to be filled. Every section of the parade is an elaborate sight to behold, nothing is skimped upon. Video recordings would be more feasible; one’s phone would fill up fast with photos due to the wonders every piece of the parade brings. Featured throughout the celebration are balloons, “balloonicles,” floats, marching bands, performers, clowns, and performance groups. Contrary to regular balloons that float in the air and are held by strings, “balloonicles” are also balloons but are attached and maneuvered by a vehicle. The word was coined by Macy’s when they first created balloonicles, combining the words ‘balloon’ and ‘vehicle’ together. The parade began at the Upper West Side and worked their way to Macy’s flagship store in Herald Square. Preparations to the floats, balloons, and balloonicles occurred the day before and were open to the public’s viewing. The parade could be witnessed on TV or in person.
Western Brown senior Isaac Bernhardt, a clarinetist; sophomore Rebekah Bernhardt, an alto saxophonist; and senior Kaiya Schaffner, a mellophone player; were welcomed into marching in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Everyone in the parade had to rehearse the week prior, spending long hours throughout the day mastering their roles. On the day of the parade, members woke up very early in the morning to do a concentrated rundown of the parade before showdown. It is a long day, but it’s an extraordinary, unforgettable experience that few have. Memories of the passionate people met, the hard work put in, and the remarkable sights that were seen, will stick with the kids for years. Being a part of something so monumental lends itself to an everlasting sense of accomplishment, especially with doing so at such a young age.
“They are really great kids. And they worked their butts off. So they definitely earned it. And they had a great time.” Hawk said.
Hawk recounts that a couple kids from Western Brown High School have allocated a spot in performing in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade from year to year previously. One of Western Brown’s previous band directors, John Rodesh, was an alumni of the Macy’s Great American Band. So he had one of his students at the time audition for it and they got accepted. Ever since then, more and more students have been inspired, striving to excel and be a part of that group. Those performing in the parade are an elite group of musicians and band members from all cross the country; all comprised of high school students. Witnessing others obtain tremendous accomplishments can propel many forward to reach for their own success. Achievement can be found in the hands of anyone with sheer determination; prowess manifests through diligence.
“I am really proud of these kids. They’re really awesome kids. They just really do a great job in band.” Hawk said.