NIU alumni Michael Embrey, Jake Walker, Annette Hackbarth and Bernard “BJ” Long Jr. marched in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, November 23. They were part of the 408-member Band Directors Marching Band which features band directors from all 50 states, including 21 from Illinois.
The Band Directors Marching Band performed “Amazing Grace” and “Taps” at Ground Zero to honor first responders and are the first musical group to perform there.
Embrey, who was director of the NIU Marching Band from 1974-1984 had the distinction of being the senior member of the group who marched.
The Band Directors Marching band theme is, “We teach music. We teach life.” The parade route was more than 2.5 miles long, and their musical selections included, “Seventy-six Trombones,” “Strike Up The Band,” and “Simple Gifts.”
Photo: (l to r): Bernard “BJ” Long Jr., Annette Hackbarth, Michael Embrey and Jake Walker
