This fall, Northern Arizona University’s Lumberjack Marching Band (LMB) will make history by stepping onto one of the biggest stages in the nation, the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Three LMB drum majors—Samantha Fagan, a senior with a dual major in music education and music performance in saxophone; Vinny Solano, a senior majoring in music performance with an emphasis in trumpet; and Sebastian Cisneros Ortega, a junior majoring in music education—shared what this means to them, how they are preparing and the biggest challenge they have to overcome to make this dream a reality.
How did you feel when you heard about the marching band going to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?
Samantha: When President Cruz Rivera surprised us on the field, I was so ecstatic! Not every marching band member gets the chance to experience something like this. I looked over at my parents in the crowd, hugged my friends around me and jumped with excitement! I felt super thankful for everyone involved, especially our former director, Brent Levine, for working behind the scenes to make this magical surprise possible for the LMB and Northern Arizona University as a whole!
Vinny: I was filled with pride. Our invitation to participate in the Macy’s Parade meant the LMB would represent the state of Arizona for the first time in its history. I was incredibly proud of the members of the band at that moment; their hard work and dedication made this opportunity happen.
Sebastian: When we first heard the Macy’s parade announcement, I was in utter disbelief. I have always dreamed of seeing NAU perform in one of America’s great parades, and I still can’t believe that it is happening during my time here at NAU. I am absolutely honored to be part of the band representing the state of Arizona in this year’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
What challenges is the band facing to make this a reality?
Samantha: The biggest challenge we’re facing right now is reaching our donation goal. We’re working to raise the last $50,000 to make sure every member has the chance to travel and represent NAU at one of the biggest stages in the world. We hope to make the trip accessible for everyone in the band. We are so incredibly grateful for everyone who has donated so far, and we’re super excited to show all our hard work to everyone supporting us!
Vinny: At the LMB, we pride ourselves on creating a welcoming environment for all our members. We have members from all walks of life, all sorts of majors and all levels of marching experience. I would say the most prominent challenge we’re facing is ensuring that all our members look and sound the same in the field, regardless of their experience, while maintaining our welcoming environment and atmosphere.
Sebastian: One of the biggest challenges our band is facing is transporting our equipment. This year’s Lumberjack Marching Band is the biggest the band has ever been. With more than 280 members, we are determining how to transport some of our larger instruments, such as drums, tubas and baritone saxophones, to New York by plane. Once on the ground, we will need to transport our equipment to various locations across NYC to attend various parade rehearsals and performances.
What does this opportunity mean to you?
Samantha: I’ve been in marching band all through high school and now all through college, and it holds such a special place in my heart. This opportunity to perform in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is something I will cherish forever. Being part of this experience with my bandmates makes it even more meaningful, and I’m so proud to represent NAU, our community and everyone who has supported the Lumberjack Marching Band along the way.
Vinny: This opportunity comes at an interesting time in my marching career. This is my 11th year in marching band and my fourth in the LMB. In those 11 years, I’ve done just about everything I set out to accomplish from the beginning. Going to Macy’s represents a culmination of the work I have put into not only myself as a performer but the marching arts community.
Sebastian: Performing at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase the incredible nature of the NAU Lumberjack Marching Band. For the past four years, we have seen exponential improvement, with the band growing bigger, louder and more powerful each year.
What are you most excited about?
Samantha: I’m most excited about sharing this once-in-a-lifetime experience with my fellow bandmates and seeing all our hard work showcased on such a huge stage. I can’t wait to perform at a national level, represent NAU and show our community, donors and supporters the passion, teamwork and commitment of everyone in the LMB. It’s not just about the performance but about celebrating everything we’ve built together as a band.
Vinny: I’m excited for the opportunity to represent the university and the state. NAU is the first college from Arizona to have the honor of marching in the parade. Our performance will show the country what not only the college band in Arizona has to offer, but what music in the state has as well.
Sebastian: I am very excited to try out all of the cool restaurants in New York City! I am an amateur cook, so I look forward to seeing what I can learn from New York’s diverse array of cuisines. Whether it be hot dogs, pastrami or kebabs, I can’t wait to experience the flavors of New York!
If you would like to donate to the LMB, visit Help the Lumberjack Marching Band get to Macy’s!
Mariana Laas | NAU Communications
(928) 523-5050 | mariana.laas@nau.edu