“The experience was great,” junior Adam Warner said. “It was the best week.”

Juniors Ryan Bohdan and Adam Warner, members of the Panther Pride marching band, were selected to participate in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

The parade is a televised event held in New York City every year on Thanksgiving Day. According to the Futon Critic, it is the most watched entertainment telecast of the season and features students and singing talents from all over the country.

“My favorite part of being in band is the companionship with other band members,” Bohdan said. “The band is sort of like one big family.”

Bohdan joined band in fifth grade with the baritone. He became interested in band from an early age through talking to his relatives and family friends who were involved in music. He enjoys being in the band because of how close everyone is to each other.

Warner also began band in fifth grade as a percussionist, although he first took up his drum sticks when he was only three years old.

“My family has always been musical, and I started really early in life,” Warner said.

Warner participated in the parade last year, too. He says once someone makes the parade’s drumline or band, they can return until they graduate from high school.

“I’m really excited to drum with the guys I have never met or drummed with before. I think it will be really fun,” Warner said prior to leaving.

Bohdan and Warner both submitted a solo performance of their choice to YouTube. Bohdan says his solo this year was Concert Piece No. 5 by Blazewitch. Many students from all over the country were chosen to go, but Bohdan and Warner are the only two from Starr’s Mill.

Bohdan and Warner left on Nov. 21 and returned on Nov. 27. They received their music ahead of time so they could learn it, and they practiced anywhere from three to eight hours a day when they were there. Additionally, they got to go on a tour of New York City and saw Les Misérables on Broadway.

Bohdan and Warner said they had an amazing experience and would like to go again next year for sure.

“I would definitely do it a third time. I love playing with new people and hearing a great line,” Warner said.

In addition to fond memories, both walked away from the experience with a pin, patch, t-shirt and windbreaker for being in the parade.

“It was fantastic. It was great to meet all the other people and see how band is different for them,” Bohdan said. “It was also great to be part of a group of high schoolers that rehearses like a college band.”