Story Written By Andrea Lovas
WASHINGTON TWP. — On Thanksgiving Day, the Macy’s Great American Marching Band will once again honor America’s best high school musicians, including two students from Warren Hills Regional High School. Senior Corlynn Housman will march in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade for the second year in a row in the prestigious band, and this year, Emilie Myers, a sophomore, will join her. Corlynn and Emilie are among seven New Jersey students chosen to represent the state in the band, which will include 185 students from all 50 states.
Corlynn and Emilie each sent in written applications, as well as recorded audition CDs, vying against talented musicians from across the country for the coveted spots in the exclusive band. Now in its fourth year, The Macy’s Great American Marching Band accepted the applications on a rolling basis throughout the year. Each chosen student pays his or her own way, buying a package that includes hotel accommodations, meals and sightseeing opportunities, and costs about $1,300.
Corlynn, 17, is in her fourth year with the Warren Hills Marching Band, and has played the trumpet for nine years. She’s a member of the National Honor Society and the school’s Environmental Club, and participates in the all the choirs and bands at the school. Corlynn is also in the top 8% of her class academically, and plans to major in Music Education at the University of Rochester. She’s excited to be a part of the Great American Marching Band again this year.
“It was one of the best experiences of my life, and even better because I got to spend it with friends, and we all love music,” Corlynn said.
Emilie, 15, has played the trumpet for two years, and the piano for 12. She plays the keyboard in her school’s Jazz Band, and also participates in the Concert and Pit Bands. In addition, Emilie teaches piano, is a member of the Key Club and the Debate Team, and is consistently on the Principal’s Honor Roll. As for college, Emilie is considering an Ivy League school, Stanford University or the University of Oxford.
The girls arrived at the Hilton Woodcliff Lake on Saturday, where they spent the day meeting their fellow band members, getting fitted for their uniforms, and getting settled in. On Sunday, the students did some sightseeing, enjoyed meals together and attended a leadership and music education seminar before their first rehearsal, a two-hour practice. Monday followed with eight hours of rehearsal and group admission to Top of the Rock Observation Level and free time in Rockefeller Center. On Tuesday, Corlynn and Emilie and the nearly 200 other students practiced for another six hours before descending on Times Square, then enjoyed dinner at the Empire State Building. After another rehearsal on Wednesday, the students watched a performance of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring the Rockettes. That evening, everyone picked up their uniforms and instruments and tried to relax before the big performance. On Thanksgiving Day, all the participants needed to be up early, with more practicing and a breakfast at the Hard Rock Café at 5:15 am.
The band marches along with giant balloons, floats, bands, clowns and other performers past the 2.5 million spectators lining the new parade route along 7th Avenue. At Macy’s Herald Square, the band pauses to perform for celebrity hosts, a grandstand audience, and more than 50 million TV viewers watching the broadcast live on NBC. On Thanksgiving night, Corlynn and Emilie, along with their fellow members of The Great American Marching Band, celebrate their accomplishments with a reception complete with Thanksgiving dinner and dancing. Their exciting journey ends Friday, when they head back to Warren County with souvenirs, memories, and the pride of being a part of over 80 years of American tradition.
“It’s great to see how kids across the country experience music in different ways,” said Corlynn. "It’s remarkable the way it comes together. No other marching experience compares.”
See the girls perform in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on NBC beginning at 9 a.m. Thursday.