ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – Wylie High School senior McKenna Herberg marched to her own beat this year, performing in the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade as part of the Macy’s Great American Marching Band.
Herberg picked up the trumpet in sixth grade, following in her dad’s footsteps.
“That’s when I really started enjoying it,” she said. “Playing in a full band—that’s when it clicked.”
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When the audition window opened in January, she submitted her tapes. Just days before spring break, she learned she had been selected for the prestigious national ensemble.
“There it was, this email saying ‘Congratulations, you’ve made it.’ I wasn’t expecting it at all,” she said. “I was so excited.”
The moment was special for Assistant Band Director and Jazz Director Mrs. Ray as well, who marched in the Macy’s Parade three times as a student…