Three saxophone players from Bigfork High School will be playing in the Big Apple this week for the 2018 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Seniors Hannah Crutsinger, Alex Broughton and Bella Goodson landed on the East Coast on Saturday and will practice up to eight hours a day until the event on Thursday. The three, along with others in the parade, will be performing two pieces they were provided material for about one month ago.

“As a teacher who has seen it, it’s one of the coolest things I’ve been able to expose these kids to,” Bigfork Band Birector Randi Tunnell said. “It’s exhausting and exhilarating.”

Broughton was part of the famous parade last year, but it’s Goodson and Crutsinger’s first year participating. Each of the students has worked this fall to raise the money necessary for their trip after being accepted this summer following an audition.

Bigfork High School has sent students to participate in the parade almost every year for the past six years.

“It really shows if you put dedication into soemthing you love, you can grow and become better,” Broughton said. “I’m happy I decided to come back and get to experience this amazing band again.”

According to Tunnell, the parade is a great opportunity to be part of a marching band, something Bigfork High School doesn’t offer.

Crutsinger, who has played the saxophone for about eight years, described marching in the parade as a “once in a lifetime experience” that allows her to put her skills to the test.

“It’s some of these kids’ first times marching and all of a sudden they are marching in front of millions,” Tunnell said.

The opportunity also is a chance for Bigfork students to experience New York. While there, the students plan to attend the Broadway show “Wicked,” among other activities they are able to fit into their rigorous rehearsal schedules. But the girls agree that one of the best parts of being part of the parade is getting to play with muscicians from all over the country.

Tunnell said she hopes the trip, which seems to be becoming a tradition at Bigfork High School, will continue to inspire other students to audition.

“If I could send every single student in the band I would,” Tunnell said. “It’s one of the biggest challenges these students face.”

According to Tunnell, the students perform one of their tunes during the 3-mile march and another for part of a television segment where, according to Broughton, the girls can be seen performing near the famous Macy’s Day Parade star.

Reporter Kianna Gardner may be reached at 758-4439 or [email protected].