CALHOUN, GA - After its impressive debut in the 2022 Rose Parade®, the Saluting America’s Band Directors initiative is once again uniting band directors nationwide in New York City on November 23, 2023, under the theme, "America’s band directors: We teach music. We teach life."
Mr. Neal Crawford, Band Director at Gordon Central High School, and Mr. Will Johnson, Band Director at Ashworth Middle School, have both earned the honor of joining a marching band comprised of 400 directors from across the country in the historic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade® on November 23, 2023.
Notably, only 10 band directors from the state of Georgia were selected for this prestigious opportunity.
The Saluting America’s Band Directors parade entry will again convey its theme, “America’s band directors: We teach music. We teach life.” to recognize the extraordinary dedication and accomplishments of band directors and music educators everywhere. Throughout their careers, the music educators in this band have collectively mentored and taught hundreds of thousands of students. These professionals not only teach and direct music, they teach about life itself.
According to Mr. Johnson, “This is a great honor and privilege to have been selected as a member of this band and to play trumpet alongside friends and fellow band directors from across the United States.” “I too am excited for this opportunity to march Alto Saxophone in this band director band.” says Mr. Crawford. “Mr. Johnson and I are two of ten band directors selected to represent the great state of Georgia.” We hope everyone tunes in to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade this Thanksgiving morning starting at 8:30 on the local NBC channel.
The Saluting America’s Band Director Band is the first marching band in the parade. The band will be directed by nationally known music educator and innovative band director Jon Waters.
The sponsoring organization behind the Saluting America’s Band Directors project is the Michael D. Sewell Memorial Foundation, based in Pickerington, Ohio. The foundation was created to recognize and carry on the work of the late Mike Sewell, who dedicated his life to the school and community music programs in Pickerington and the Central Ohio area for almost 40 years.
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About Gordon County Schools
Gordon County Schools system serves approximately 6,500 students in schools across the county including six elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools. The mission of the Gordon County School system is to build a collaborative culture that engages all students and staff in learning experiences leading to growth, empowerment, and transformation.
Contact at Gordon County Schools:
Kendra Pannell
Communications Coordinator
Email: kpannell@gcbe.org
Phone: (706) 629-7366 ext. 8151
Website: www.gcbe.org