Local teen to play in Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Rochester, N.Y. — John Phillips has been playing the trumpet since he was in fourth grade, performing with his school bands. But this November, the Allendale Columbia sophomore is taking his talents to a much bigger stage.

"It was kind of a rush of nervous and excitement because a lot of people are going to watch me, but it's pretty cool because I get to march in a huge band and parade I've always wanted to."

That parade is the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

"Every year, wake up, go to the living room and watch the parade," Phillips said. "I've never see it in person and the first time I'm going to see it, I'm going to be in the parade."

It started with the audition tape he submitted to be in the Macy's Great American High School Marching Band back in spring. He received a letter this fall that he was selected to be a part of the tradition; the first from Monroe County.

He's one of four high schoolers representing the State of New York and is excited to get to meet other high school musicians from across the country.

"It's really cool because I haven't been around that much of the U.S. and to know so many people are coming from all over the world, I can ask the questions I have and meet different kind of people, so I'm kind of excited."

While playing the trumpet comes naturally to Phillips, when he makes his way down the route to Herald Square, he'll be doing something he's never done before.

"I've never been in a marching band," he said. "[I'm] Definitely a little nervous and a little scared, but I think I can do it. It'll be fun."

Phillips will have about a week to learn how to march with the other 220 members of the band before the 90th annual parade.

He also has two songs to learn how to play, one he'll be performing right at Herald Square.

This is the 10th year the Macy's Great American High School Marching Band has been a part of the parade.