Two Russell High School Students Add a Touch of Hometown Magic to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
Deidra Bowling-Meade
The Ashland Beacon
In a dazzling display of holiday spirit, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade once again took center stage in the heart of New York City. The city streets were transformed into a spectacle of color, music, and cheer as towering balloons, meticulously crafted floats, and spirited marching bands paraded through the iconic route. Among the countless spectators, two eleventh grade students, Oli Enyart and Emily Evans, from Russell High School, had the extraordinary opportunity to be part of this grand tradition.
For Oli and Emily, this wasn't just a front-row seat to the festivities; it was an experience of a lifetime. Decked out in festive attire, they joined the ranks of performers, adding their energy to the already electric atmosphere. Their faces beamed with excitement as they became integral parts of the parade, marching proudly as members of Macy’s Great American Marching Band. Oli played the trumpet and Emily served as a member of the color guard.
Emily described how the opportunity to be in the parade came about, “We found online that the Macy's Great American Marching Band was accepting applications and joked around about how cool it would be if we went. In the end, we both decided to actually send in a video audition showing off our skills and best tricks.”
Oli added, “The audition process was playing a solo, which had to meet a certain level of difficulty and then doing a simple marching drill while playing a scale.”
There were more than 700 students from all 50 states who auditioned with only 219 being selected. Oli and Emily were among the best musicians and color guard chosen to participate. Oli has played the trumpet for six years, and Emily has been part of the color guard for five years.
Oli shared his thoughts on being part of the parade, “The thing I enjoyed most about the experience was meeting people who shared the same passion for music as I do and getting to play with a group of such incredibly talented musicians. It was really impressive how we were able to put together a whole show ready to broadcast in front of 50 million people in just three days of rehearsal.”
Emily said, “I got nervous the first few days we were in New York, but by the time the parade rolled around I was nothing but excited. This was an amazing once-in-a-lifetime experience. My favorite part of this whole thing was walking down the route and being able to wave and interact with all the people lining the streets.”
Both Oli and Emily have supportive parents, who were thrilled about this opportunity for their children.
Katy Stapleton, who is Emily’s mother, remarked, “This has been a whirlwind year for Em. She’s graduating a year early, so we are trying to fit so much into this year. Getting to see her accomplish something so few kids get to do, was amazing. She was sick most of the week, and powered through to be there. I can’t explain how proud of her I am for everything that she accomplished, or the pure joy that I felt watching her in the parade.”
Oli’s mother, Courtney Harris, shared, “As a parent, it was unreal to see my kid playing trumpet in this parade. I've been watching the Macy's Parade since I was a little kid and watching it in person was awesome, but knowing my kid was marching made the experience something I can't even describe. Oli works so hard and puts everything he has into his music. Seeing it pay off for him is such an amazing thing. It has been such an unforgettable time!”
The future looks bright for Oli and Emily as they plan to pursue careers in music education. Emily plans on attending EKU for vocal music education next fall. As a senior next year, Oli will get to participate again in the Macy’s Great American Marching Band. Both give credit to their musical influences who have mentored them in their decisions.
Emily remarked, “My choir teacher, Theresa Russell, was my greatest influence to continue in this activity. She pushed me to find the good in all the long and hard practices. Without having her to talk to and laugh with in choir, my love for music would have never fostered and grown as it has.”
Oli commented, “The biggest musical influence has been my trumpet teacher Kody Jernigan. He’s been the person guiding me through music for about two years, and I really admire him and his hard work and dedication to music.”
As the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade excitement settles, the impact of Oli Enyart and Emily Evans' extraordinary journey resonates in all of us. For Oli and Emily, being part of the parade wasn't just a performance; it was hometown magic on a national stage. Their dedication to music, showcased through Oli's trumpet and Emily's color guard skills, not only brightened the parade route but the hearts of those back home. Their shared love for music turned dreams into reality.
