Saratoga High Students to March in Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Every Thanksgiving morning, thousands of spirited parade marchers stride through New York City.

This Nov. 22, the Saratoga High School Marching Band will join their ranks for the first time in the 86th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
 
“It’s a huge honor, but also something that the kids worked tremendously hard for,” said Saratoga High School Principal Paul Robinson. The students applied and were selected for the opportunity more than a year ago, he added.

There are a total of 230 students enrolled in the marching band, with 36 in Color Guard.

Over the past year, they have reached out to local businesses and individuals to fundraise for the trip, which will stretch from the Sunday before Thanksgiving to the day after it.

“I am really excited for the students,” said Sushama Thakker, whose son belongs to the band. “It is a great honor and it shows what an amazing music program we have at Saratoga High headed by very dedicated and excellent teachers.”

The band is led by Michael Boitz, who serves as director and department chair of SHS' instrumental music program, and Jonathan Pwu, who is director and associate director of instrumental music. He is also a member of the SHS Class of 2007.

This isn’t the marching band’s first stint in the Big Apple: last year they performed at Carnegie Hall. They are also vying for a spot at an upcoming Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena.

They are still searching for sponsors via their website to fund the instruments, Color Guard materials, and uniforms for both the Macy’s Day Parade and future events.

Every year, an estimated 3.5 million people gather to watch the Thanksgiving Day Parade, with million more viewers on TV.