As thousands of families across the country gather around the TV to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Nov. 24, three EHS band members will be on the other side of the screen among the giant balloons and well-known celebrities.

Juniors Marcus Kwasa, Maria Arzuagas and Erika Axtell were chosen out of hundreds of talented performers to march in the Macy’s Great American Marching Band.

To be considered for the experience, each performer must create a YouTube video showcasing their talent and attach a link of it onto their application.There were three application deadlines. Axtell and Arzuagas submitted theirs by Feb. 1 while Kwasa sent his in late May. After the application is submitted, they just hope for the best.

All three EHS performers received an acceptance letter in the mail just a few months later.

“I was extremely excited,” Axtell said. “I watch (the parade) every year so being able to be a part of that is so amazing.”

Although being accepted was incredible, Kwasa said the best part is yet to come.

“Playing with some of the best of the best to put on a grand performance in front of two million parade viewers and over 25 million TV viewers…” he said, “That is what I am most excited about.

While Axtell and Arzuagas will continue the legacy that 2016 graduate Amy Hanks started by performing within the colorguard for the parade, Kwasa will be the first musician from EHS to ever partake in the event.

“It truly is an honor to have people from our band be able to represent EHS and our community on a nationwide scale,” EHS band instructor Marvin Battle said.

And with the nation-wide experience comes a nation-wide trip.

Kwasa leaves for New York City on Nov. 18 while Axtell and Arzuagas leave on Nov. 19.

Although NYC is home to many tourist attractions, this trip is about work not play.

“We haven’t been sent anything to prepare for the parade,” Arzuagas said. “So we will be learning all of the choreography when we get there.”

Unlike the girls, Kwasa has been sent eight pages of “fairly difficult” music to perfect and memorize before the big day.

But however lengthy the music or unknown the choreography may be, Kwasa said it is all worth it.

“Staying in New York for a week, doing what I love, with people that also love it… what more could you ask for?”