Percussionist to perform in Macy’s parade

Hoover High School Marching Band percussionist Jacob Fondren has been selected as a member of the 2013 Macy’s Great American Marching Band Drumline.

Fondren now has the honor of joining students from every state in America as a member of this elite marching band. The opportunity is open to students from more than 14,000 high schools across the United States. Since 2006, when the band was formed, more than 1,700 students have had the opportunity to perform in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade as part of the MGAMB.

Fondren, a junior, said the process for consideration was quite thorough. He was given a list of material to play. Upon learning the material, he had to submit a video of his performance and include clips of his performances from prior band seasons.

“I was very shocked to learn I was selected. It’s overwhelming to think of the experience I will have being a part of such a great organization and finally being on a national stage,” he said.

In late October, Fondren received the official music for the parade and began practice. He’ll also have daily rehearsals once he arrives in New York City a few days prior to Thanksgiving.

The Hoover Marching Band marched in 2001 at the 75th Anniversary Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Fondren is the only student from HHS to have been selected to perform with the Macy’s Great American Parade Band. He is the son of Jeff and Shelia Fondren. His dad is an assistant band director at Hoover High School.