With millions watching, marching band performs in Macy’s parade

Saratoga High's marching band and Color Guard shined under the bright lights of the 86th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade when they marched in front of 3 million on the streets of New York and 50 million watching the famed event on TV. 

More than 400 students, staff, parents and chaperones traveled to New York City from Nov. 18 to 23 to attend the marching band’s performance in the iconic parade.

Students prepare for performance

With the conclusion of their field show season on Nov. 3, the band, led by directors Jonathan Pwu and Michael Boitz, spent the next two weeks preparing for its appearance in the parade. For the televised portion of the parade, the school commissioned an original composition titled “American Overture,” arranged by Vince Oliver. During the parade, the band played Joyce’s 71st Regiment March, the Saratoga fight song and a compilation of Christmas music.

For the visual aspect of the performance, students learned drill in a similar fashion to the process used during field season. Using a tarp painted with the Macy’s star, the band practiced run throughs of the show on the field and the track.

 

Group enjoys sightseeing in New York

After flying in five flight groups on Sunday, the band arrived at the Sheraton New York Hotel and Towers and spent the next five days exploring the city. Students, staff and chaperones enjoyed touring of some of New York’s most iconic destinations. Day trips included the 70-story “Top of the Rock” at Rockefeller Center, the National 9/11 Memorial, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and bowling at Bowlmor Lanes in Times Square.

“There was so much to do every day. The scenery from the top of the rock was unbelievable; you could see all the way to New Jersey,” freshman mellophone player Manna Okada said. “Who wouldn't love New York if they saw that?”

In addition, students enjoyed productions of the Christmas Spectacular featuring the Radio City Rockettes and a Broadway show of their choice. While most of the staff attended a showing of “Book of Mormon,” students and families enjoyed productions of “Mary Poppins,” “Nice Work If You Can Get It,” “Wicked” and “Newsies.”

“Broadway was fun because it is part of New York's tradition,” senior drum major Bennett Lopez said. “Although plot lines generally are a little cheesy, hearing and watching famous actors such as Matthew Broderick perform live [in ‘Nice Work If You Can Get It’] made it an unforgettable experience.”

 

Students perform on Thanksgiving Day

On Nov. 22, students, staff and chaperones gathered in the hotel ballroom to change and warm up before practicing the television segment twice on the Macy’s star. The group then transferred to the parade area to line up in its spot between the Rex the Happy Dragon and Papa Smurf balloons.

“At first, it was rather nerve-racking realizing the fact that you were performing in front of so many people, not to mention The Wanted and Papa Smurf,” senior drum major Michael Shang said. “But after the first mile, I started to relax and think more about doing the best I could to entertain the millions of people watching.”

Though the band had prepared for freezing temperatures, the students experienced relatively pleasant weather in the 40s and 50s throughout the whole week.

“I was expecting something like the Inaugural Parade where it was frigid and I couldn't move my fingers to play my clarinet,” junior clarinet player Robert Eng said. “I was relieved it was only mildly freezing.”

After marching three miles down 6th Avenue in front of 3.5 million live spectators, the band completed the parade at Macy’s Herald Square, where it performed its televised segment.

“Although it took us some time to learn all of the music, drill, and sequences for the Macy's commission and panels, seeing the excitement and grandeur of the parade made everything worth it,” Lopez said.

 

Band members celebrate holiday on dinner cruise

Returning to the hotel, the band rested for the remainder of the day before departing from Chelsea Piers on a Thanksgiving dinner cruise and dance. 

“I think [music department chair Michael] Boitz did a particularly good job with the cruise,” Shang said. “I can't think of any better way to spend Thanksgiving than on the Hudson River jamming to the Hip Hop top 20 with a full view of the New York skyline.”

On a boat filled almost exclusively with students, families, chaperones and staff, the group enjoyed views of New York at night while enjoying music and a Thanksgiving feast.

“The views from the cruise were really amazing,” freshman Color Guard member Gwynevere Hunger said. “The best part of the cruise was when we passed by the Statue of Liberty and it was all lit up.”

Students agree that the trip was an exciting, memorable experience.

“Being able to spend time with my friends in New York and marching in the parade was such a great experience,” Okada said. “I love New York and it’s one of the greatest memories I’ll ever have.”