Here comes Santa Claus and here comes Claire Harrison in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. A senior at Riverside-Brookfield High School, Harrison will be one of 250 young people chosen to be a member of the Macy’s Great American Marching Band that will be featured in the Thanksgiving Day parade down Broadway in New York City.
She was chosen after she submitted an online audition of her playing the piccolo. She learned about the audition through a drum camp she had attended.
The Macy’s Band was formed in 1924 and each year features more than 200 musicians. It also now includes 25 flag performers and nine dancers. Musicians come from all over and this year keep your eyes peeled for a young lady from our local high school.
When I caught up with Claire on Nov. 21, she was already in New York enjoying her new friends, experiences and the fun of it all. It was hard to have much of a conversation with all that was going on around her. She said along with rehearsals and preparing for the parade she has enjoyed the free time the trip has allotted to her.
Free time is not something Claire Harrison has much of. Aside from being a busy senior student, she is editor of the school newspaper, The Clarion, president of the Model UN organization at the school, a drum major, Tri-M, a member of the National Honor Society and I’m sure there are others that I have missed. If it all isn’t enough, she is one of two student representatives to the Riverside Brookfield High School District 208 Board of Education.
Watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on TV is a tradition in many households while the turkey is roasting. I know there is football, but wait until after the parade this year. This year we will give it more attention as we try to get a look at our local girl Claire Harrison. Remember she is playing the piccolo.
We know Claire will have a happy Thanksgiving as will her family in Brookfield and LaGrange Park. So I wish all you out there a Happy Thanksgiving and, remember, it’s stuffing if it’s in the bird and dressing if it is on the side. Cranberries from the can or cooked whole?
