- November 15, 2024
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Lauren Perrotta took her time when she decided to what instrument to play in the Indian Trails Middle School Band six years ago. That decision has now garnered her a trip to New York City and the opportunity to participate in the 89th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
“I started band in the seventh grade and after careful deliberation, I chose the trumpet,” Lauren said. “It was easier for me to play and I made a sound out of it very easily.”
“It’s a pretty awesome opportunity to be able to go and represent Flagler County.” John Seth, FPC Band Director
The decision to try out for the 10th anniversary, Macy’s Great American Marching Band came from a casual observation as she watched the parade on TV last Thanksgiving.
“We were watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade last year and we saw the Great American Marching Band, and I said ‘that looks cool,’” she remembered.
Her mom encouraged her to apply right then and there, and soon she was filling out the application. Her next step was to make an audition tape.
“I already had a solo picked out because we already had a solo and ensemble with the band,” she said.
“I played Concerto in E Flat by Joseph Hydan, recorded it and loaded it on Youtube.”
Lauren, like her fellow marchers representing the other 49 states, is now busy memorizing her music for the parade.
“They just posted up the music online a week or two ago,” she said. “They want everyone to know their music when they get to New York.”
In the parade the band will be playing, “Dance With Me Tonight,” a song Lauren said she hadn’t heard before.
“When we stop at Herald Square we will be playing a medley of New York songs,” she said.
A native New Yorker, Lauren is looking forward to meeting her fellow band members and enjoying the perks of participation.
“They are giving us a tour of New York and the World Trade Center remembrance site,” she said. “They are also organizing a Thanksgiving dinner and a social dance afterward for family and friends. I am excited about that.”
The parade schedule isn’t for those who enjoy sleeping in on Thanksgiving. The band will be rising at 1 a.m. so they are in position at the parade route by 4 a.m. The parade begins at 77th and Central Park West at 9 a.m.
FPC band director John Seth wasn’t surprised Lauren, one of his drum majors, was selected for the marching band.
“Lauren is an outstanding musician, a good person and a hard worker,” he said.
“This is the first time that we have had somebody in the parade,” Seth said. “It’s a pretty awesome opportunity for her to be able to represent Flagler County. “
Seth’s advice for Lauren was to be prepared to march a long way in unpredictable weather.
