Alerts Sign-up
Two students from District 202 high schools are set to perform in the Macy’s Great American Marching Band during the 98th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 28, 2024. Plainfield North High School senior Ava Florez and Plainfield East High School senior Kelechi Ohale will represent their schools in this prestigious event.
Florez, a mellophone player, expressed her excitement about participating in the parade. "My heart skipped a beat when I found out I was accepted," she said. This marks her first opportunity to march through New York City as part of this renowned band. She added, "I can't wait to march down the streets of New York City with such amazing musicians and perform on national television to close off my high school marching career with a bang."
Ohale will serve as one of only two drum majors leading the band. "I applied because I genuinely enjoy the experience of being a drum major," she stated. "To hold that position on such a grand scale has been a dream of mine." Her selection was based on her leadership skills demonstrated at Smith Walbridge drum major camp.
Both students are among 185 high school musicians nationwide chosen for this honor. The participants will arrive in New York prior to Thanksgiving for daily rehearsals leading up to the parade day.
Florez shared her enthusiasm for meeting fellow passionate musicians: "I know that everyone there will be passionate about music, and I am so excited to have this opportunity to be a part of that crowd." Meanwhile, Ohale emphasized the significance of representing her community: "The chance to represent my community and my school is definitely one I am not taking for granted."
The parade route spans 2.5 miles starting from Central Park, where an estimated three million spectators are expected. Both students have been preparing physically; Florez by running weekly and Ohale by walking regularly.
On Thanksgiving morning, they will participate in a pre-dawn dress rehearsal at Herald Square before lining up for the parade's start. Florez mentioned that watching the parade is a family tradition and looks forward to exploring New York City.
During the event, the band will perform songs including "Espresso" by Sabrina Carpenter and "Happy" by Pharrell Williams. Ohale expressed hopes of gaining new experiences as drum major: "I hope to meet new people and learn new things during my time as drum major in the Macy’s Great American Marching Band."
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will be broadcast on NBC at 8:30 a.m. across all time zones.
