Above / The 97th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will step off in New York City on Nov. 23. This year Marmion Academy notes one of its students will be marching with the 2023 Macy’s Great American Marching Band. (Macy’s Photo)
Marmion Academy junior and talented trumpeter, Thomas Chapski of Elgin, was selected to join the 2023 Macy’s Great American Marching Band (MGAMB) for the 97th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The MGAMB is comprised of the most elite student musicians across the United States. Chapski will be one of 185 musicians, along with 40 flags and dancers participating in the parade.
Thomas Chapski arrived in New York City with his parents, Karen and Michael Chapski, on Sat., Nov. 18.
PN asked Karen Chapski to update her son’s adventure as the week progresses.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade steps off at 8:30AM Thurs., Nov. 23
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is internationally recognized as the official start of the holiday season and world famous as a uniquely American entertainment extravaganza. The prestigious MGAMB will, once again, take an honor position among the gigantic helium balloons, impressive floats carrying celebrities, and the nation’s top marching bands.
The MGAMB will step-off from Central Park and is expected to be cheered on by three million spectators lining the parade route. Arriving at Macy’s Herald Square, the Band will perform for celebrity hosts, a grandstand audience, and more than 50 million TV viewers watching the broadcast on NBC beginning at 8:30AM in all time zones. A re-broadcast will air from 2-5:30PM on NBC.
The 2023 Macy’s Great American Marching Band is under the leadership of Dr. Richard Good, MGAMB Director and Director of Bands at Auburn University; Dr. Doug Rosener, MGAMB Percussion Director and Associate Director of Bands at Auburn University; Mr. Bart Woodley, MGAMB Color Guard Instructor and Director of Operations & Sponsor Relations at Winter Guard International (WGI) Sport of the Arts; and Ms. Kailene Laga, MGAMB Dance Instructor and head coach of the Montclair State University Dance Team. Several talented music educators from across the country assist the MGAMB music staff, serving as section instructors for the winds and percussion, as well as teaching the music and Herald Square drill and parade formation.
According to numerous news reports, the 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will feature 12 marching bands, 16 giant character balloons, 26 floats, 32 novelty and heritage inflatables, 700 clowns and eight performance groups. The popular parade is expected to last three-plus hours.
Note about Marmion Academy in Aurora, Illinois
Founded in 1933, Marmion Academy is a nonprofit high school for young men, situated on a scenic 325-acre campus in Aurora, Illinois. Operated by the Benedictine Priests and Brothers of Marmion Abbey, the school offers a challenging college preparatory curriculum with a focus on spirituality and leadership to students from more than 40 towns throughout the northern part of Illinois.
