Six high school bands from around the country made an appearance in this year’s Macy’s 97th annual Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City on Thurs., Nov. 23, 2023. Each of these bands was led by an expert and accomplished music educator. We introduce some of them to you today, and some of them in future posts.
Director of Bands Tom Reifenberg,
Greendale High School Marching Band
Tom Reifenberg, Director of Bands at Greendale High School, led his school’s marching band in this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Photo credit: National Association for Music Education
One of the bands that appeared in the parade is the Greendale High School Marching Band, under the capable leadership of Tom Reifenberg. This 200-plus-member group hails from Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Tom has taught at Greendale High School since 2001. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from University of Wisconsin, Whitewater, in 2001. He earned his Master’s degree in Music Education from Music Education from Boston University in 2008, and a second Master’s degree in Educational Administration from Southeastern Oklahoma State University in 2021.
The Greendale High School Marching Band marched in this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Photo credit: WTMJ-TV Milwaukee
Throughout his career, Tom has earned many accolades. He was named the recipient of the Michael G. George Distinguished Service Award in 2017. He was honored as the Greendale Chamber of Commerce Educator of the Year in 2015, and the same year he garnered a Herb Kohl Fellowship, an award that honors excellence in education in the state of Wisconsin. He was named Wisconsin’s representative in School Band & Orchestra Magazine‘s annual “50 Directors Who Make a Difference” report in 2013. He has also served on the WSMA State Marching Band Committee and the UWAY Board of Directors.
This is the second appearance in the Macy’s Parade for the Greendale students; their first appearance was in 2016. The group is known throughout the state, as they have won an impressive 19 consecutive state championships!
Director of Bands Chad Kohler, Fishers High School Tiger Band
Chad Kohler serves as Directory of Bands at Fishers High School in Fishers, Indiana. Photo credit: Fishers High School
The Fishers High School Tiger Band from Fishers, Indiana, marched under the direction of Director of Athletic Bands Chad Kohler. The group boasts an enrollment of 250 students, who filled the coveted position of appearing just ahead of Santa Clause!
In addition to his work at Fishers High School, Chad has performed and instructed the Cavaliers a Drum and Bugle Corps and served as Percussion Caption Head for the Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps. He regularly performs throughout the Indianapolis area, most consistently with the Nickel Plate Jazz Orchestra and Fishers Wind Symphony. Chad also serves on the Board of Directors for the Indiana Percussion Association and the Percussive Arts Society. This exemplary music educator earned his Bachelor’s degree in Music from the University of Kentucky. He earned his Master’s degree in Music from the University of Akron, Ohio.
The Fishers High School Marching Tigers from Fishers, Indiana, performed in the 97th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade this year. Photo credit: Fishers High School
The Fishers Marching Tigers have earned other honors in addition to their selection for the Macy’s Parade. They performed at the 2023 Grand National Championships, where they finished in the top 12 for their Christmas show. In 2016, the group achieved success as an Indiana State Finalist at the prestigious Bands of America competition. The group also performed at the Hollywood Christmas Parade in 2017 and the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2015. In addition, they have performed in the Walt Disney World Main Street Parade.
Director of Bands Dave Zamborsky, Jenison High School Marching Wildcats
Director of Bands Dave Zamborsky of Jenison High School inWest Michigan will lead the 193-member Marching Wildcats in this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Photo credit: WOOD TV8
Also appearing in the parade was the 193-member Jenison High School Marching Band from Jenison, West Michigan. They appeared under the expert leadership of Director of Bands Dave Zamborsky. The group looked terrific in their impressive silver and black parade uniforms, which featured an Art Deco pattern!
Dave earned his Bachelor’s degree in Music from Northwestern University and his Master’s degree in Music Education from the University of Missouri, St. Louis.
“We see this as a really awesome opportunity to represent the whole state on this nationally viewed program,” Dave remarked. “They’ve put in a ton of time and a ton of energy into preparing for this week.” The Jenison students were positioned between balloon floats of characters from DreamWorks Animation’s Kung Fu Panda and the YouTube series Ryan’s World.
The Jenison High School Marching Band looked impressive in their silver and black parade uniforms which featured an Art Deco pattern. Photo credit: Jenison High School
The Jenison High School Wildcats Marching Band has been honored as the MCBA Flight II State Champion an impressive 11 times. They have earned recognition as a Bands of America Grand Nationals Semi-Finalist and a Regional Championships finalist many times. In 2022, the group garnered their first ever Bands of America Regional Championship. They have also performed in the Fiesta Bowl twice.