Three students from Blue Mountain High School will be part of parades today in New York City and Philadelphia.
For the second time, Jeffrey Lazarchick, a junior, will play the saxophone in the Macy's Great American Marching Band at the 86th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. Seniors Jourdan Adams, 17, and Linsey Clauser, 17, will each play an instrument in the Tournament of Bands All Star Band in the annual Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade. Clauser, who usually plays the French horn, will play the mellophone, another brass. Adams will play the piccolo, a half-sized flute.
"It was a lot of fun. I'm really excited to go back," Lazarchick said Friday. He left for New York on Saturday and will return Friday.
Last year, Lazarchick said he met new friends and visited The National September 11 Memorial & Museum and Times Square.
However, there is work, too.
He must practice daily, preparing for the event.
Lazarchick submitted an application and paid about $1,500 to attend. The cost covers food and lodging. His mother, Lorena Lazarchick, said her son is excited about going. Fundraisers were held to pay for the cost, she said.
Clauser and Adams left Wednesday and return today after the parade.
Their cost to attend is $125 apiece, part of which was paid for by the Belvederes Drum & Bugle Corps, Schuylkill Haven.
Chris Evans, high school band director, said the Belvederes gave a $125 scholarship to the school and one also to Schuylkill Haven to send a student. The funds given to the school were split between the two girls, with each paying the remaining amount, Evans said. The Belvederes give the funds as a way to give back to the community, he said.
"I just thought it's something different to do on Thanksgiving," Clauser said of why she decided to apply for the opportunity.
They also have the chance to take in the sights of Philadelphia. Both have been to the city before.
"It's like a nontraditional memorable Thanksgiving," Clauser said.
Clauser said she might eat at a relatives house in Allentown after the parade.
Adams would like to visit South Street in Philadelphia and perhaps buy a cheesesteak.
Evans said he was proud of the three students attending.
"I am proud of our band members for participating in these parades because it gives them personal recognition for their accomplishments as well as recognition to our high school. I believe students become better musicians by keeping their playing experiences diverse, so this opportunity helps them to refine their skills while participating in a nationally recognized event," Evans said.