Band students to march in Macy's parade

Come Thanksgiving Whitefish High School

band students Thomas Henson and Sarah Bonnington will be marching

through the streets of New York City.

Henson, a sophomore percussionist, and

Sarah Bonnington, a freshman saxophonist, have been selected to

represent Montana in this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day

Parade.

The students will perform with more

than 200 students, representing every state.

Both students decided to audition for

the band after their teacher, Mark McCrady, announced the

opportunity during class. At the time, the deadline was fast

approaching and students were needed to represent Montana. Students

were ultimately selected based on musical ability.

“I’m excited,” Henson said. “I’ve

always liked playing music. I’ll get to be on TV doing something

that I like.”

Bonnington, who visited the Big Apple

about a year ago, said the trip was a chance for her to play music

and “visit Times Square again.”

Bonnington said she recently received

her music for the parade and will continue practicing it before the

trip.

The experience will be very much new

for the students since Whitefish does not have a marching band.

The students will spend a week in New

York. In addition to site seeing, they will have the opportunity to

attend leadership and educational workshops.

Marching from Central Park to the

Macy’s Herald Square the band will be cheered by 2.5 million live

spectators before its national performance for more than 50 million

TV viewers.

The band is directed by Dr. Richard

Good, of Auburn University, and Ohio State University’s Dr. Jon

Woods.

The students are looking to raise money

for fees and travel expenses. To help sponsor these students,

please contact Mark McCrady at Whitefish High School at 862-8600,

ext. 420.