(FORT BEND ISD) – Hightower High School junior Chanel Powell represented Fort Bend ISD in the 97th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade last week.
Powell, a three-year member of Hightower’s Band and Color Guard, was chosen to be part of the flag auxiliary, joining hundreds of talented high school students from across the country. She was selected through a video audition process that required her to demonstrate basic skills, choreography and marching technique.
“The experience was everything that you could ever imagine,” Powell said. “The crowds were very full of every ethnicity you could think of! People were celebrating birthdays and anniversaries while out there. The energy was very high and extremely fun.”
While the parade only lasts a few hours, there were days of rehearsal and preparation to get ready with students receiving their uniforms and learning their choreography, drills and technique. They also had opportunities to build new friendships, exploring the American Dream Mall and enjoying breakfast at the Hard Rock Café.
On the day of the parade, auxiliary members had a 1 a.m. wake-up call and participated in a morning run of the show in front of the cameras. After breakfast, the students headed to the staging area where they spotted celebrities like Jimmy Fallon and ENHYPEN, then it was time for the parade to begin.
Powell considers her selection an honor and has the memories and new friendships she built as mementos. She plans to audition again next year.
“It was a very bittersweet moment when it was over but I hope to make even more memories next season,” Powell said.
The audition process for the 98th annual parade will open in January. Visit the Macy’s Great American March Band online to learn more.