TORONTO - One of the city high school's own will march in front of tens of millions of viewers worldwide during the 86th-annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on Nov. 22 in New York City.
High school junior John Rodesh VI was chosen for the honor after submitting an audition recording to the 2012 Macy's Great American Band selection committee and being selected as one of 185 students from around the nation chosen to be in the band.
"I sent in a solo instrumental audition to (the selection committee) in February," said Rodesh, adding he plays baritone in the band. "I sent in an audio recording of 'Maid of the Mist.' The recording had to be between four and seven minutes long. The band will be performing in front of 2.5 million spectators (on the parade route) and 50 million television viewers worldwide."
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Mark Miller
NYC?BOUND – Toronto High School junior and band member John Rodesh VI has been chosen to be one of 185 student-musicians to march in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with the 2012 Macy’s Great American Band Nov. 22 in New York City. Rodesh, who plays baritone in the band, was chosen after sending an audition recording to the selection committee for the Macy’s marching band.
Rodesh will arrive in the Big Apple a week early for rehearsals with the other student-musicians for the performance. He also will be responsible for his own expenses, and Rodesh plans on asking the public to help fund his trip.
"I sent out donation letters to local businesses," said Rodesh. "There also will be collections of donations during band concerts. I don't know the exact amount (the trip cost) will be. In June (the committee) will send me all the information I need to know."
Rodesh does a lot more than just perform in the band, as his resume also includes membership in the marching band for the past five years; a member of the concert band for four years; high school choir member; membership in the National Honor Society; class president; member of the Beta Club; president of the Key Club; Varsity Club member; editor of the school newspaper; captain of the high school civics team; member of the Ohio Valley Athletic Conference All-Star Marching Band; and the Jefferson County Americanism test winner for the past two years. Rodesh also said he will attend the American Legion Buckeye boys' state program this year.
Kirk George, Toronto High School Band director, said Rodesh possessed all the qualities the selection committee was seeking.
"The (audition) is judged by musicians," said George. "They are looking for musical experience, accuracy and expression - all the things that turn notes into music. John had all of that in his audition."
George also said Rodesh's extracurricular activities also went into judging.
"It's a great opportunity, because you are dealing with the best of the best," he said.
Donations can be deposited at Huntington Bank in an account named John M. Rodesh IV. Bank donations should be earmarked for Macy's Marching Band.
(Miller can be contacted at mmiller@heraldstaronline.com.)
