Hi! My name is Atharva Naik, and I’m a junior at Hinsdale Central High School in Illinois. I was recently accepted into the Macy’s Great American Marching Band, an elite marching band of students from every state that performs in the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, a nationally televised event watched by more than 50 million viewers and attended in person by over 3.5 million spectators. I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity—not only as a chance to represent my state and community on a national stage, but also as proof that I don’t quit when things get challenging.

Participating in this ensemble comes with costs upwards of $2,000, which cover food, housing, equipment, professional instruction, and more. I would deeply appreciate any help to offset these expenses and make this once-in-a-lifetime experience possible.

Thank you for believing in students like me and for your commitment to helping music and the performing arts thrive.