Sixteen students from the Academy have been chosen to appear in the Macy’s Day Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2016.

Representing Hawaii, students from schools throughout the Hawaiian Islands form the band.

The committee for the All-State Band asked band director Keith Higaki to nominate a number of students, most of whom will be sophomores, juniors or seniors next year. After a survey to show student interest, 16 students, including one current freshman, were nominated.

Those students attended a meeting at the UH Manoa Band Room to learn more about the opportunity. Those selected will be a part of the band performing on Thanksgiving day for the nationwide audience.

For the trip to New York, students will go a week before Thanksgiving to allow time to visit numerous landmarks, including the Air and Space Museum, the Liberty Bell and the Statue of Liberty.

Since students live on different islands and cannot meet to practice prior to the trip, the band will practice together for the first time the week before the parade.