As families start planning extravagant Thanksgiving feasts, marching band students at Sacred Hearts Academy are planning for a unique Thanksgiving festivity–the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Several members of the Academy’s band have been invited to perform in the Hawaii All State Marching Band, which participates in the holiday parade. The Lancers, along with other students from around the state, will be sharing the aloha spirit with all of New York City, as well as those watching on national television.

The student marchers are looking forward to sharing their talents.

“I thought it was a great opportunity to (not only) improve my marching but also reach a childhood dream,” said junior Ashley Zhang, who plays the French horn.

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The band has been practicing with the Hawaii All State Marching Band since January. When compared to marching practice for school performances, students say, Macy’s parade practices are much more intense.

“The best part is meeting new people that share the same passions as me and being able to perform in New York City with my current and new friends,” said junior Kacey Chong.

The band will be performing “Tahiti Tahiti,” “Koni Au March” and “Drum of the Islands.” The group will be wearing bright aloha shirts and hula skirts.

In addition to performing in the Macy’s parade, sophomore Minami Nagahama is excited to “have a Thanksgiving dinner.” The dinner is for those who participate in the parade.

The parade will be televised live on NBC from 9 a.m. to noon. For more information, visit http://social.macys.com/parade/.