An Oakleaf High School 10th-grader has been selected to perform in the 100th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade as part of the Great American Marching Band.
Clarinetist Brendan Bowens, 15, sent band organizers an audition tape of him playing a musical selection, as well as video of him marching in formation. He will be one of 211 high schoolers from across the country — 16 are from Florida, Brendan is the only one from the Jacksonville area — invited to be in the Nov. 26 event in New York City.
"Music allows me to express emotion and connect with others in a meaningful way," he said. "Being chosen for this parade is proof that hard work and believing in yourself pays off."
Brendan took up the clarinet five years ago and taught himself how to play
by watching instructional videos, learning to read music and studying composers. He performs with Oakleaf High’s Golden Regiment Marching Band and Wind Ensemble and studies at the Lakeside School of Music, where he is also studying the oboe.
"I am so proud of all the hard work and dedication Brendan has put into his music lessons," Kimberly Corzine, his Lakeside teacher, said. "He has continued to grow, learn and challenge himself and it has been wonderful to see his progress. His commitment and determination truly make him deserving of this outstanding achievement."
He was a member of Clay County All-County Band in 2024, 2025 and 2026; won third place at the 2025 Concert on the Green; and a featured soloist at Lakeside in 2025. Also, Oakleaf gave him the Quincy Jones Musicianship Award for the 2024-25 school year for creativity in music.
Honors student Brendan hopes to become the first person in his family to earn a college degree and plans to major in chemical engineering.
He is seeking $5,000 in corporate sponsorships and community donations to cover travel expenses, lodging, uniform costs and performance materials for the trip.
"Between reed costs, instrument maintenance and countless practice hours, being a dedicated musician takes a lot of hard work. This trip is the culmination of years of rehearsals, self-taught discipline and a deep love for music," he said. "By donating, you aren’t just paying for a plane ticket or a hotel stay, you are investing in my future as a student, musician and future chemical engineer. I promise to proudly represent the Orange Park and Clay County communities on this national stage."
To donate, go to gofund.me/bde1926e7; for sponsorship opportunities, contact Fannie Alford Bowens at (516) 425-2485 or akapretty08@icloud.com.
Beth Reese Cravey has been a reporter for The Florida Times-Union for 45 years, currently specializing in nonprofits and health. She can be reached at bcravey@jacksonville.com.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Clay County teen earns spot in Macy's Thanksgiving parade
