'Completely passionate about music education': Two Kern County teachers to perform in Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Nov. 22—Two of Kern County's very own school music educators set off across the country days ago to participate in a Thanksgiving Day tradition.

On Thursday morning, Cecil Avenue Math and Science Academy Music Director Brenda Perry-Reed and Cato Middle School band and orchestra teacher Daniel Hernandez will join a marching band of music directors from across the United States in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

"We all are completely passionate about music education," said Perry-Reed, who plays the clarinet. "We believe in music education and what it can do for our students and for the future. I really want my students to know that they can be musicians their whole life. This is my 33rd year in education and I want them to understand that music is something that they can feel joy from their entire life."

Music teachers from coast to coast applied to play with the Band Directors Marching Band, a massive ensemble of 400 musicians.

The Saluting America's Band Directors project that organizes the marching band was put into action by The Michael D. Sewell Foundation. Created in 2017, the nonprofit was founded to honor Sewell, the late band director of the Pickerington, Ohio, school system.

According to the foundation, Sewell dedicated 38 years to school music programs, forging connections between students and musicians. Saluting America's Band Directors hopes to keep his name and music education alive.

This will be the group's first Macy's performance. Its last major performance on a national stage took place in 2022 during the Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena.

The Band Directors Marching Band also performed earlier in the week. Meeting at the National 9/11 Memorial on Monday to pay respects, the group of 400 played a moving rendition of "Amazing Grace" and other beautiful pieces.

Hernandez, who will rejoin the trumpet section, hopes his participation inspires students, including in his home Bakersfield City School District.