District 210 Student Earns Spot in Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Lincoln-Way Central band member Emilio Castaneda has big plans for his Thanksgiving in a few weeks.

Emilio has earned a spot in the 180-member 2014 Macy’s Great American Marching Band that will join the many floats, bands and participants in the 2014 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade held in New York City.

“I am really excited to be a part of this special band. I have never been to New York City before. I have received such amazing support from my family, friends and the Central music department,” said Castaneda.

Emilio will be playing his tenor saxophone in the parade. He applied to the event in June by submitting a 5-minute video of him playing his tenor saxophone, in addition to a written application.

He has already started learning the two pieces he will be playing. Along the parade route the Macy’s Great American Marching Band will play, “Locked Out of Heaven” by Bruno Mars.

For the band’s nationally televised Harold Square Performance in front of Macy’s, the band will play “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift.

Emilio is a member of the Lincoln-Way Central Marching Knights, Jazz Band I and Singing Knights. Additionally, he is active in Tri-M Music Honor Society, Pi Sigma Pi, National Honor Society, Student Council and Environmental Action Club.

Emilio began playing the saxophone in the 5th grade, then switched to the tenor saxophone in the 7th grade.

“I have been watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade since I was in the 5th grade. My sister was watching with me and told me that I should play in the parade. I have wanted to do this ever since,” Emilio noted.

Emilio was also selected for the January 2014 All Star Invitational Marching Band which played during halftime for the Orange Bowl in Florida during winter break.

As part of the 2014 Macy’s Great American Marching Band weekend, Emilio will visit the popular Rockefeller Center, attend a leadership workshop and celebrate Thanksgiving with his fellow band members enjoying a buffet dinner and dance.

“I want to see the New York skyline, Times Square and Freedom Tower. I am excited to meet my fellow band members from all across the country who share my passion about music,” said Emilio.

“On behalf of myself, the Marching Knights and the Lincoln-Way Music Department, we are all very proud of Emilio and this honor. Emilio is a dedicated, hard-working, intelligent and motivated individual. A strong role model in the organization, he sets a high standard for all the Marching Knights. His passion for marching band and music in general, is inspiring, and we are all very excited for him and this opportunity. I am positive that he will represent Lincoln-Way Central and the Lincoln-Way District 210 with pride and integrity,” said Chris Mroczek, Band Director for LW Central.