Horizon West Students Are Ready to March in Macy’s 100th Thanksgiving Day Parade
Meet the Four Local Students Joining Macy’s Great American Marching Band in the Iconic Parade
Photo: Macy's Event Media - Image of 2025 Macy's Great American Marching Band on the parade route.
Since its debut in 2006, the Macy’s Great American Marching Band has brought together musicians, color guard members and dancers from high schools across the country to perform in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. This year marks the iconic event's 100th parade. And in just a few short weeks, four Horizon West students will join the prestigious group:
- Noah Sidabutar: Horizon High School senior, snare drum
- Noah Valle: Windermere High School sophomore, trombone
- Jocelyn Watters: Horizon High School senior, color guard/flag
- Zander Peetoom: Horizon High School sophomore, mellophone
“It’s just crazy and surreal,” Zander said about the experience the quartet has before them. “I’m looking forward to spending time with other incredibly talented musicians from all over the country.”
Top left: Noah Sidabutar. Top right: Noah Valle. Bottom left: Jocelyn Watters. Bottom right: Zander Peetoom
Getting the Good News
With spots in the band for just 185 musicians and roughly 40 color guard members and dancers, securing their place was no easy feat. To audition, each student had to record a video showing off their marching skills or flag techniques, plus a solo piece or routine from a recent performance season. While all four say they felt pretty calm submitting their applications, hearing about their acceptance was a little different.
“I was extremely excited,” said Noah Valle. “I was with my dad at the time he got the email. He showed me as soon as he saw it and we were both just jumping, super excited.”
“I was just doing normal chores,” said Jocelyn. “When my mom told me I got in, I thought she was joking.”
For Noah Sidabutar, this will be a return trip, both to the parade and his first home.
“I was born in New York just a couple of miles outside Herald Square,” he said. “We’d go to the city to watch the parade in person, and I’ve been playing drums since I was 8 years old, so it’s always been a dream to play on a bigger stage. It’s like a homecoming for me—I’m really looking forward to it.”
These days, the group is gearing up for what’s sure to be a busy week, practicing their music and doing physical conditioning so they’re ready for the 2.5-mile parade route from Central Park to Herald Square, plus their performance for the grandstand audience and an estimated 60 million viewers watching live.
“Right now I’m reminding myself of all the fundamentals,” said Noah Valle. “Trying my best in every rehearsal, and preparing for the weather as well.”
Percussionist Noah Sidabutar says he’s thinking about training a bit differently for his second parade appearance. In 2025, he spent weeks marching around his neighborhood while playing the quad drums. But this year? “Maybe I’ll practice on a treadmill this time.”
What's in Store in New York City
As soon as they arrive in the city, everything kicks into high gear. Color guard members like Jocelyn will dive right into learning their choreography and being fitted for costumes. Over the next four days, the entire company will take part in several lengthy rehearsals and, of course, have sightseeing opportunities before the main event.
On Thanksgiving Day, the alarms will go off at 1:30 a.m. for the group to get to the city, where they’ll have one final rehearsal and camera blocking. After breakfast (and hopefully a quick nap), they'll get into uniform, take their place at the start of the parade, and step off, continuing a tradition spanning the past two decades.
“The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a historic and beloved tradition for many families to watch on Thanksgiving,” said Charlene Cannon, Horizon High School band director. “I’m excited for them all to have this amazing experience, and I can’t wait to see them in the national spotlight!”
“I am so happy these students’ dedication to music is allowing them to experience something that will stay with them the rest of their lives,” added Kathrine Rudzik, Windermere High School band director. “This is something they will never forget and will hopefully inspire them to keep going after their dreams long after high school ends.”
Inspiration and Motivation
Each student in the Macy’s Great American Marching Band has their own reason for making this commitment, taking on months of preparation before they even set foot in New York City.
“It’s about being part of something bigger than myself,” said Noah Valle. “Getting more experience and another chance to get better.”
“I’ve always watched the parade,” said Jocelyn. “So when I saw the opportunity, I thought, ‘why not go for it?’”
Zander added perhaps the simplest explanation: “I just really like marching band.”
Watch for these four Horizon West students during Macy’s 100th Thanksgiving Day Parade, beginning at 8:30 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 26, on NBC, Telemundo and Peacock. Check your local listings for more information.
Students interested in applying to next year’s parade can learn more here.
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