Laurie Ellis to march in the Macy's Day Parade

Laurie Ellis, our amazing Middle School of the Kennebunks band director for the last 36 years, has been invited to march in the 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade along with 400 other specially selected band directors from across the country. The organization Saluting America’s Band Directors is recognizing and celebrating the extraordinary dedication and accomplishments of band directors and music educators and Laurie will be one of two directors representing Maine. For Laurie, this will be considered completing the triple crown.

In 1983, when Laurie was in high school, she marched in the National Independence Day Parade with the Temple Band, known as ”America’s 1st Town Band.” Then, on New Years Day in, 1987, Laurie marched in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, CA, representing New Hampshire as a member of the United Way Centennial Band.

Laurie has dedicated her life to music; her love and passion for this art spills over to her students. She has mentored many students over the years encouraging them to always put forth their best effort, not only in music but in everything they do. Many of her former students have pursued successful careers in music, in part, due to her leadership.

As you can imagine, the cost of traveling to New York and participating in the event like this is quite high. If you are able to help support this amazing opportunity it would be greatly appreciated.

Let’s give Laurie a big send off and show our support for her endeavor of achieving marching bands’ triple crown.