NEW ROCHELLE, NY — If you come out to see New Rochelle’s Thanksgiving Parade on Saturday, be sure to cheer for the New Rochelle High School marching band. About 60 student musicians will be playing rousing tunes in the procession, a seasonal favorite event in New Rochelle.
It’s been a busy season for the band. The musicians have drawn applause at six New Rochelle High School football games and played patriotic songs at the Veterans Day ceremony in downtown New Rochelle’s Memorial Plaza last weekend.
They’re looking forward to the parade.
“It’s cool because it inspires people to play music,” said percussionist Corey Scheinfeld, a senior who will be playing the quad drums in the parade. “You’ll see kids watching us play. Then maybe they’ll join the band, and when they’re in high school, they’ll be marching in the parade and kids will be watching them.”
The parade, presented by the City of New Rochelle and the New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce, begins at 10 a.m. at the corner of North Avenue and Eastchester Road. It proceeds down North Avenue and ends at Main Street and Maple Avenue.
The NRHS band will play songs including In the Stone, originally recorded by Earth, Wind, & Fire, and the Tito Puente classic Oye Como Va. The variety of events they play in gives them the opportunity to play a wide range of music, including John Philip Sousa marches, John Williams’ Star Wars soundtrack and others.
“It’s fun because it switches things up,” said flutist Sofia Halpern, a senior. “We get to play some catchy tunes and see some football games. It keeps things exciting.”
After the parade, the band will play on. Several of the musicians will perform at the upcoming NRHS Wall of Fame induction ceremony on Nov. 29 and the band will perform at the school’s Winterfest concert on December 20.
Nicholas Dente, a sophomore who plays the bassoon, said he likes band because it’s inclusive.
“Most people who are willing to work hard and practice at home will find a spot here,” he said.