Since the mid-1920s, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has been a U.S. tradition. Every year on the fourth Thursday of November, millions of families come together to watch the giant floats and performers moving through Manhattan’s streets, whether in person or from the comfort of their homes. Last year on Thanksgiving Day, one of Air Academy High School’s seniors, Jamie Cazier, participated in the parade as a piccolo player and as a representative of the state of Colorado. Cazier and her supporters then shared the process in which she went through to be chosen as a participant in the event. 

Cazier is a band member here at AAHS who was one of the two-hundred hand-picked students across the U.S. who were selected to participate in the parade. The process included her posting an audition video that caught the attention of the parade coordinators. 

“I actually put out a YouTube video for an audition, so that was their… getting to know my playing sound and marching style,” Cazier continued. “They had all the board members that went through and reviewed everything, and they all gave feedback to the main director who hand-picks everybody.”

Though the opportunity was a big deal for Cazier individually, it was also a big deal for the entire state of Colorado. 

“The Macy’s Day Parade is watched by so many people. And her performing as the only kid from Colorado. I was so proud of her,” fellow band member, Alora Wells, mentioned. 

Cazier has been playing the flute and piccolo for a great amount of time, and being able to share her talent with the world came with a lot of practice and preparation. She spent hours practicing in school and at home daily. 

“She was so excited and happy to put in the work and effort. Which was easy I think for her cause we were in the middle of marching band season already so her form was perfect when she sent in the audition,” Wells added. 

The whole process was so unreal for Cazier. When she found out that she would be a part of such a huge event, she could hardly believe it!

“I sat there and read the email like four or five more times and I got so excited because I’ve been wanted to do this since I was in fourth grade,” Cazier stated.

Being able to participate in such a large performance allowed Jamie to learn more about herself and the overall music world.

“She learned that college band directors do things so much differently than high school directors,” Jamie’s mother Katy Cazier stated. “She learned that if you want something bad enough then you’re the only one who can make it happen and hard work and determination can make dreams become a reality.”

Jamie is a prime example of what hard work and dedication can accomplish. Everyone has the ability to achieve goals that may seem near impossible if hard work is put into daily life.