Director of Bands Jon Schultz will lead The Lake Hamilton High School Marching Power Band from Percy, Arkansas, in the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Photo credit: Music for All

I always enjoy watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thanksgiving morning, and this year’s parade is sure to be a spectacular. In addition to 22 balloons, 34 floats, and 28 clown crews, this year’s parade will feature five superlative high school marching bands. One of them will be The Lake Hamilton High School Marching Power Band from Percy, Arkansas, led by Director of Bands Jon Schultz.

Jon earned his Bachelor’s degree from Henderson State University in 1999 and his Master’s degree from Arkansas State University in 2012. In 2007, Jon became a National Board-Certified Teacher (NBCT). In a career that spans 23 years, he has taught in the Lake Hamilton School District for 17 of them.

Jon’s 190-member marching band is recognized as one of the most outstanding programs in the country. They have garnered many impressive honors. They have been named the 6A Arkansas State Marching Band Champion; a Bands of America Regional Finalist and Medalist; and a Winter Guard International Winter Winds World Championship Finalist, Medalist, and Class Champion. In addition, the Power Band has placed in the top ten in their classification numerous times at the Bands of America Grand National Marching Championships and has been a National Semi-Finalist. The Lake Hamilton Band has earned 25 consecutive ASBOA Sweepstakes Awards, captured the ASBOA State Sweepstakes Awards in 2022, and is currently the 6A State Concert Honor Band.

For his work with young people, Jon has garnered multiple awards. He was the recipient of the Phi Beta Mu Outstanding Young Band Director Award for the 2004-05 school year. He was named the “Director that Makes a Difference” for Arkansas in 2010 by the School Band and Orchestra magazine. In 2016, Henderson State University recognized him as their Outstanding Distinguished Alumni.

Jon says the theme for the Macy’s performance is the joy of the holiday spirit. “We want to bring Christmas in early,” he explains. “It’s a custom design, we’re doing this country Christmas, featuring rock around the Christmas tree. The students will be wearing these really cool Christmas sweaters,” he concludes.