Blue Devils on Parade in New York City
West Memphis band members participate in annual Macy’s spectacular By Billy Woods
WM School District It was their first trip to New York, and Alex Speak and Andrea Tennison couldn’t wait.
The two Academies of West Memphis seniors had the opportunity to represent the Blue Devil Marching Band when they marched in the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Nov. 28.
Speak’s and Tennison’s names were submitted for the Macy’s Parade by former Blue Devil Band Director Cathy Williams, who walked the pair through the audition process.
“We came out to the football field and she videoed us doing all kinds of drills,” said Speak. “Marching, playing scales and then we went to her house and she helped us record audition tape.”
Tennison said they had to submit a Youtube video, “like five or seven minutes long.”
Both said they were shocked when they received the news they made the All-American Marching Band.
They left the Saturday before Thanksgiving and spent almost an entire week in The Big Apple. Their other activities included free time in Times Square, a tour of Madison Square Garden and viewing a Broadway play.
Speak’s wake-up call was at 1 a.m. because all color guard needed special hair care and make-up. Tennison said she woke up at 3 a.m.
Speak, who plays the saxophone, marched in the color guard while Tennison, who plays flute, marched as a piccolo player. The parade aired on national TV beginning at 8 a.m.
“We got to meet people from all over the country,” said Speak. “That was so cool.”
There were several rehearsals thrown in, obviously, before the big day on Thursday. Wakeup call on Thanksgiving morning was not be for the bleary-eyed.
“And it was really cold,”said Tennison.
“Luckily, we got to wear clothing underneath our uniforms.”
The parade route is two miles in length.
After the parade, the 180-member band enjoyed a Thanksgiving dinner-dance.
Both students said they wanted to thank Williams for her enormous contributions, as well as the West Memphis Band Boosters.
