Marmion Academy junior and talented trumpeter, Thomas Chapski of Elgin, was selected to join the 2023 Macy’s Great American Marching Band (MGAMB) for the 97^th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The MGAMB is comprised of the most elite student musicians across the United States. Chapski will be one of 185 musicians, along with 40 flags and dancers taking part in the parade. 

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is internationally recognized as the official start of the holiday season and world famous as a uniquely American entertainment extravaganza. The prestigious MGAMB will, once again, take an honor position among the gigantic helium balloons, impressive floats carrying celebrities, and the nation's top marching bands. The MGAMB will step-off from Central Park and will be cheered on by the 3 million spectators lining the parade route. Arriving at Macy's Herald Square, the Band will perform for celebrity hosts, a grandstand audience, and more than 50 million TV viewers watching the broadcast live on NBC. 

The Band is under the direction of Dr. Richard Good, MGAMB Director and Director of Bands at Auburn University; Dr. Doug Rosener, MGAMB Percussion Director and Associate Director of Bands at Auburn University; Mr. Bart Woodley, MGAMB Color Guard Instructor and Director of Operations & Sponsor Relations at Winter Guard International (WGI) Sport of the Arts; and Ms. Kailene Laga, MGAMB Dance Instructor and head coach of the Montclair State University Dance Team. Several talented music educators from across the country assist the MGAMB music staff, serving as section instructors for the winds and percussion, as well as  teaching the music and Herald Square drill & parade formation.