Local High School Band Student To March In Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

 A Mustang High School sophomore's dream is coming true. He'll make his debut on a national stage next week: the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. 

CJ Welch is one of only 185 high school musicians selected to march in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. "The thing I love about music is how it makes people feel when they listen to it,” Welch said. “And how it makes you yourself feel when you play it.” 

Welch is in band practice every morning, preparing to head to New York. "How can I push myself farther,” he said. “I'm autistic and I always like a little extra challenge." 

His next challenge is marching in the Great American Marching Band in New York City. "When I got the email, I screamed so loud," Welch said. "I would watch the parade when I was little, I always wanted to be in it." 

CJ's band director, Ryan Edgmon, says there's no bigger stage. "In the band world the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a big deal," Edgmon said. 

The Macy's Great American Marching Band selects only 185 students each year for the parade. "It's really cool to watch him grow. CJ is a great kiddo. He works so hard," Edgmon said. "He is so passionate about what he does." "I'm very excited and nervous to be in the parade," Welch said. 

With each passing practice, CJ keeps his sights set on New York. "With enough practice and enough determination, you can get almost anything done," he said. 

And the lessons he's learned will stick with him long after the music fades. "Don't let other setbacks hold you back," he said. “I was told just because I’m autistic I wouldn't be good in the band, but here I am going to New York."