JACKSON – Members of the Jackson Liberty High School and Jackson Memorial High School bands enjoyed Thanksgiving morning performing in the annual Philadelphia Thanksgiving Parade.
The two bands united to welcome back the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Parade to its full glory following its limitation last year.
The parade was telecast on ABC Philadelphia affiliate channel 6, The Dunkin sponsored parade is the oldest Thanksgiving Parade, having celebrated its centennial year in 2019.
JLHS and JMHS band members marched along Benjamin Franklin Parkway to the Philadelphia Art Museum playing songs such as “Happy” and “Shut Up and Dance.”
The two Jackson bands were in good company as other parade performers included Kool & The Gang, Tag Team, Amy Grant and Taylor Dayne. The students enjoyed being a part of this exciting live event which included floats, balloons and, of course, Santa Claus who made his traditional visit toward the end of the parade.
JLHS Band Director Scott Katona said after the parade that, “I loved bringing the two programs together for this parade. That day we were one town with one sound. I’m also very proud of all the students on how well they represented the music program, their schools and town that day. Bravo!”
JMHS Band Director Jason Diaz, added, “what a pleasure it was to work with the staff and students of the Liberty Lion Band. I loved watching students from both schools interact with each other, both in conversation and in song.”
“Before the official start of the parade, there were a few student musicians who started riffing off each other, and performing an instantaneous song. What an awesome experience for all involved,” Diaz said.
