Northern Arizona University’s Lumberjacks Marching Band is making history as the first college marching band from Arizona to participate in the renowned Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. This momentous occasion is creating a significant buzz in the Grand Canyon State, which is referred to as State 48.
While in New York, the band has immersed themselves in the vibrant culture of the city, performing in iconic locations, including Central Park. Drum major Sebastian Cisneros-Ortega, a junior at NAU and a graduate of Paradise Valley High School, expressed the excitement of the experience: “It seriously has been incredible,” he said.
The performance in Central Park served as a thrilling prelude to the band’s upcoming showcase during the parade, where they will perform before millions of viewers. “It’s been absolutely wild,” Cisneros-Ortega shared. “I am still processing the fact that we made it. It’s truly been magical and a dream come true. I wouldn’t trade it for anything else in the world.”
The Lumberjacks have already garnered positive feedback from enthusiastic crowds. “The crowd just grew bigger and bigger, and we were all sitting there, like, oh my gosh! They’re here to see us and what Arizona has to offer!” he recalled.
The journey to this historic performance began 18 months ago when their participation was confirmed. The university shared a heartfelt video on YouTube capturing the moment when the students learned about the opportunity, highlighting their enthusiasm and dedication.
For the band director, Stephen Meyer, this event is about more than just performance; it’s about providing students with opportunities to shine on a national level and acknowledging their hard work. Meyer himself has previous experience at the parade, having participated in 2009 as a band director for a high school in the Midwest. “Hard work pays off,” he remarked, reinforcing a message of perseverance.
The Lumberjacks will perform three songs during the parade and are also set to participate in a special ribbon-cutting ceremony with Cynthia Erivo, the star of the hit musical Wicked. This experience not only showcases their musical talent but also highlights the rich cultural contributions of Arizona, allowing the Lumberjacks to share their spirit with a wider audience. It serves as a poignant reminder that with dedication and effort, great achievements are within reach.