Erin Hanson, band director at Nocona High School, has been selected to join a marching band of 400 band directors from across the country in the historic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Nov. 23.
Following its amazing inaugural appearance in the 2022 Rose Parade, the Saluting America’s Band Directors project is again bringing together band directors from across the county to New York city under the theme, “America’s band directors: We teach music. We teach life.”
In her ninth year at NHS, Hanson said Bowie Junior High Band Director Robert Frick and former BISD director Melissa Zamzow told her how much fun they had performing in the Rose Bowl Parade and they shared the information with her about the Macy’s Parade.
“I applied and was accepted in August 2022. I’m really excited to march in the parade and also getting to perform with some of my best friends and other directors from around the country,” said Hanson.
This year’s theme recognizes the extraordinary dedication and accomplishments of band directors and music educators everywhere. Throughout their careers, the music educators in this band have collectively mentored and taught hundreds of thousands of students. These professionals not only teach and direct music, they teacher about life itself.
The band will be directors by nationally know music educator and innovative band directors Jon Waters. The sponsoring organization behind the project is the Michael D. Sewell Memorial Foundation in Pickering, Ohio. The foundation was created to recognize and carry on the work of the late Mike Sewell, who dedicated his life to the school and community music programs in Pickerington and Central Ohio for most 40 years.
Hanson may see her fellow Nocona residents as the Nocona Cheerleaders take part in the parade with Spirit of America Cheer. See more on them in your weekend Bowie News.

Pictured Nocona Band Director Erin Hanson.