Marching on: City band director plays in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Jenna Morris, a music teacher at Southern Coffey County and director of the Iola Municipal Band, took part in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade this year.
Published: December 22, 2023

Jenna Morris, a music teacher at Southern Coffey County and director of the Iola Municipal Band, took part in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade this year.

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a spectacle enjoyed by millions every year, but for Jenna Morris, a local musician and music educator, it became a dream come true as she recently took part in the parade with the Band Directors Marching Band.

Morris, a music teacher for the Southern Coffey County school district in Le Roy, had the opportunity of a lifetime to join the group of band directors and music educators from across North America. The band, organized by Saluting America’s Band Directors, paraded through the streets of New York City with an impressive 400 members during the annual parade.

Jenna Morris, far right, plays her sousaphone in the 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Morris shared, “I applied through Saluting America’s Band Directors, submitting a resume and answering questions on my philosophy of musical education and experiences. It’s an incredible opportunity, and I was grateful to be a part of it.” With more than 900 applicants, Morris was one of the talented 400 selected.

Sarah Haney

Sarah joined the Register in November 2023. With 13 years of experience in journalism, she is a 2009 graduate of Cottey College, in Nevada, Mo with a degree in English. Upon graduating, she began her career in journalism at her hometown paper in 2010. Over the next 13 years (and a brief hiatus to Fayetteville, Ark.), she worked her way up to the position of editor and enjoyed the connections she built within her community. Sarah is a member of Rotary Club International and the P.E.O. Sisterhood. She enjoys reading, listening to her vinyl records, and spending time with family and friends.