Houston Students Join Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade with Great American Marching Band

Bassyonni

ago 47 minutes

Houston Students Join Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade with Great American Marching Band

As the holiday season kicks off, two talented students from Houston are set to perform in the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Hannah Bockhahn from Cy-Fair High School and Lance Jehlik from Cypress Woods High School have been selected for the 99th annual Macy’s Great American Marching Band. This prestigious ensemble features some of the best young musicians from across the nation.

Houston Students in Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade

From Local Schools to National Stage

Bockhahn, a senior, began her journey in color guard under unexpected circumstances. Initially seeking an easy P.E. credit, she later discovered her passion for performance. “It definitely wasn’t easy,” she remarked, reflecting on her experience over the past four years. Bockhahn is now among just 40 color guard members chosen nationwide.

Jehlik, a junior, has pursued music since childhood. His fascination with the trombone stemmed from its distinctive qualities. “It’s a very unique instrument because of the slide, and it’s very fun to play,” he explained.

A Competitive Selection Process

Both students learned about the audition opportunity through previous participants. Jehlik was encouraged by a neighbor who had performed in the color guard, while Bockhahn was motivated by friends from last year’s parade. Jehlik felt uncertain about his audition, with the competition being nationwide. “I was really happy when I got the text back that I made it,” he said.

In total, Jehlik will join around 100 musicians to play during the parade, including the heartfelt number “This Is Me” from *The Greatest Showman*.

Preparing for Their New York Adventure

The students are set to fly to New York on Saturday morning. They have a busy schedule filled with rehearsals and sightseeing. For Bockhahn, visiting New York marks a significant milestone as she has never been to the city before. “I don’t think it’ll feel real until I look out of the plane window and see the whole city,” she expressed.

Jehlik, familiar with New York from a summer visit, is curious about experiencing the cold winter temperatures. He noted, “I just want to see how cold it is during winter.”

Future Aspirations and Inspirations

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is just one highlight for both musicians. Jehlik hopes to continue his music journey in college and participate in competitive marching bands. Meanwhile, Bockhahn aims to study crime scene investigation at West Texas A&M or UNT while continuing her commitment to color guard.

Bockhahn attributes her accomplishment to her supportive coaches, especially Kelsey Hernandez. “Without her help, I wouldn’t have had this great opportunity,” she said.

For Jehlik, representing Houston on a national stage is a profound honor. He hopes to inspire younger students, saying, “If you work for it, you can do it.”