Golden Bear musician has a Big Apple moment in Macy's parade

Upper Arlington High School senior Leo C. brought Golden Bear pride to a national audience this Thanksgiving as he marched — and played his clarinet — in the Macy’s Great American Marching Band during the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

"When I look back years from now, I will remember turning the corner right before Herald Square and for the first time seeing the wall of people in front of the store on one side and the wall of cameras and equipment on the other,” Leo shared. “It felt surreal!”

Leo earned his spot after a highly competitive video audition process, placing him among the top 225 high school musicians from across the United States who were selected to be part of the Macy’s Great American Marching Band. Leading up to the parade, the musicians had a rigorous schedule, with rehearsals for four days and a 1:30 a.m. call time at their hotel on the morning of the parade. 

“It was such an amazing group of  talented musicians and a fantastic experience meeting so many high schoolers from all over the country,” Leo shared. “It was really an honor to be selected for the band and was an experience I will never forget.”