Crissta Ames
Contributing Writer
While the floats and giant balloons are most households’ reason to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Charlotte High School senior Ryan Klann was giving this town another reason to tune in to the ever-popular event.
Every year, CHS sends their drum majors to a camp called Smith Walbridge, where the Macy’s Great American Band chooses drum majors based on their performances. The two drum majors that get chosen yearly are chosen based on spirit, performance, and overall excellence. This year, Klann was one of those hardworking students who WAS chosen.
“Because of my performance and achievements at Smith Walbridge this last summer, the director of Smith Walbridge and his staff felt I was a deserving candidate for this honor,” Klann said.
In rehearsal, Klann said the environment was friendly despite feeling a little under pressure and dealing with the fast-paced nature.
“With so much to accomplish in the little rehearsal time we had, it was awesome to witness what so many focused minds could produce during a rehearsal!” Klann said, believing that the common interest in music helped tie everything together and make it work like clockwork. “I’ve been blown away from the encouragement the community has given me these past few months, and I’m so thankful for all the support and love I’ve received. It was an absolute honor to represent my band, school, and community on a national stage, and a memory I will cherish forever!”
Not only was this his first time in the Macy’s Parade, but it was also Klann’s first time in New York City.
“It was exciting to explore a place with so much to see,” Klann said. “My two favorite parts of the city were definitely looking up at all the lights and buildings at Times Square, or the beautiful serenity at the 9/11 Memorial.”
As for his future plans, Klann plans on attending Michigan State University to major in music education, but hasn’t entirely decided, opting to keep his options open.
