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.
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.
A graduate of Pittsburg State University in December 2021, Morris has been immersed in the world of music since sixth grade. Her journey led her to the bassoon, an instrument with unique scholarship opportunities. In the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, however, she played the sousaphone.
Her favorite part of the Macy’s Parade experience? “The energy and the sheer scale of the event were incredible. Being at the end of a row, seeing people everywhere – the energy was so cool.”
Morris shared, “We had four main practicing sessions, mostly marching rehearsals at Weehawken Riverfront Park in New Jersey. The scale of the balloons and the whole experience were something you can’t fully grasp until you’re there.”
Beyond her participation in the parade, Morris is involved in her community. She teaches music to kindergarteners up through 12th grade. She also directs the Iola Municipal Band during the summers, and is actively engaged in the local Presbyterian Church choir and handbell group. She also works at Fillmore Coffeehouse & Plant Cafe in Iola. In her free time, she enjoys puzzles, walks, and contributes to the community theater scene.
As for the future, Morris would love to participate with the band directors’ marching band again. The band has also performed in the 2022 Rose Bowl Parade with 270 members. They alternate where they perform year-to-year. “I see myself continuing to teach music and giving back to my community.”
