While people throughout Iron County tuned in to the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade, Cedar Middle School Band Director Kelly Ball was actually a part of it all. Ball performed as a member of the Saluting America's Band Directors parade entry.
Ball joined other band directors who represented all 50 states and U.S. territories. To become a member of the prestigious group, he first was nominated by a colleague, and then sent an application to the director. There were more than 900 applicants and only a small group made the cut.
Prior to the parade, the group also played Amazing Grace and Taps at the 911 Memorial. Ball said it was a special experience as they were the only group allowed to play there.
"Rehearsing alongside colleagues from all over the United States was a lifelong dream," Ball said. "I was excited to represent my former and current students."
The sponsoring organization behind the Saluting America's Band Directors project is the Michael D. Sewell Memorial Foundation, based in Pickerington, Ohio.