Each year on Thanksgiving families around the world tune in to NBC to watch the annual Macy’s Day parade when the streets of New York City are filled with giant balloons, extravagant floats, and beautiful music. Marching bands play, celebrities perform and the magic of the holidays are truly felt. It’s every kid’s dream to one day be in the parade, and for senior Patrick Stankovich and junior Lyla Matteson, this dream will become a reality.

Matteson and Stankovich decided to audition for Macy’s Great American Marching Band. This band, which has 185 members, was formed in 2006 and is filled with some of the best and brightest high school musicians from across the country. Matteson and Stankovich will be the first students in school history to participate in this parade.

“When I first auditioned I didn’t think I would make it,” Stankovich said. “I just thought it would be a cool experience.” 

Both students were encouraged by their band directors, who will also be participating in the parade, to audition. The audition process requires a prepared piece of music, like a solo or etude, ranging from 3-5 minutes and a video showcasing their marching skills. They were then judged and an email was sent out to let them know they made it.

“I love marching band so much and the fact that I am being recognized outside of Liberty High school is so cool,” Matteson said. “And this isn’t even my main instrument that I made it on. I just started playing baritone my freshmen year.”

Matteson and Stankovich have both been members of band since their sixth grade year and everything has led up to this moment. Years of practice and participation in marching band has prepared them for this. It is a great honor to be selected and everyone around them is very proud of their achievements. 

In fact, Drum Major Payton Grotewiel said, “I’m so proud they made it into the parade and I’m so happy to have them marching with us at school.”

Both students will head out to New York on Nov. 18 and the school wishes them luck as they perform.