MONROE, CT —Masuk High School junior Dennell Sidne will be marching in this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade as a member of the Macy’s Great American Marching Band (MGAMB).

An alto saxophone player in the Masuk Band, Dennell was inspired after watching his classmates Sammy Davoren and Alison Merriman perform with the group on TV last year. With their help, he prepared his audition video, which included a solo performance and a precise marching routine filmed in a square formation. His hard work paid off when he was accepted into the ensemble this past summer.

As part of the MGAMB, Dennell will spend the week leading up to Thanksgiving in New York City, rehearsing and performing alongside 185 student musicians, dancers, and color guard members from across the country. He shared that while memorizing all the music will be his biggest challenge, he’s excited to take part in such a prestigious event.

In addition to rehearsals, the band’s schedule includes sightseeing throughout New York City including dining at well-known restaurants, taking a harbor boat tour, watching a Broadway show, visiting Radio City Music Hall, and exploring Chelsea Market and Herald Square.

Thanksgiving morning will begin before dawn, with the band donning their red and white uniforms for an early-morning camera rehearsal around 2 a.m., followed by breakfast at the Hard Rock Café before lining up for the parade, which kicks off at 9 a.m. on the west side of Central Park.

Dennell says he’s most excited to represent Masuk in the parade and to continue the legacy of Masuk musicians who have marched before him. When you tune in to the parade this Thanksgiving morning, keep an eye out for Dennell in the red and white Macy’s Great American Marching Band uniform!