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Taking Music from Bigfork to the Big Apple

Bigfork high school student selected to participate in the traditional Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City

By Molly Priddy
Bigfork's Alex Broughton will be performing in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. She is pictured on Nov. 11, 2016. Greg Lindstrom | Flathead Beacon

BIGFORK – There’s evidence of construction through most of the entryway at Bigfork High School, serving as a visual reminder that this place is headed for a bigger, better future once the expansion is complete.

Just off the lobby entrance, the band room is also ground zero for building something new, but in this case, it’s a tradition.

For the past five years, the school’s band has sent a student musician to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, a nationwide holiday tradition with marching bands, classic giant balloons, incredible floats, and more on Thanksgiving morning.

“This is the fifth year in a row I’ve had someone make it,” Bigfork High School band teacher and Bigfork Schools music teacher Randi Tunnell said.

This year, it will be alto-saxophonist Alexandra Broughton, a 15-year-old sophomore, headed for the bright lights of the big city from Nov. 19 through Nov. 26.

Broughton applied and auditioned for a spot in the Macy’s Great American Marching Band, an “all-star” group made up of musicians who were typically selected as All-State, All-Regional, and All-District players.

Her audition and application were in by the summer, and Broughton learned of her acceptance this fall.

“It’s very exciting,” Broughton said last week in the school’s band room. “I think it’s a really cool opportunity, and I love music. And I’ve always wanted to go to New York.”

The trip is a chance to play music on national television, yes, but Broughton is also thrilled to head to the Big Apple because it is the intersection for music, musical theater, and acting in general.

As a member of the Children’s Playhouse Theatre, Broughton can’t wait to explore Broadway and go to a show — any show would do — to see where her heroes play and sing. The musical and theatrical draw already has Broughton considering moving there at some point in her future, she said.

“What I’m most excited about is just to see what New York is like,” she said.

Tunnell said she’s gone along as a chaperone on the previous trips, but chose this year to stay with her family (it will be her first Thanksgiving at home since her children were born, she said).

The trip has come to represent the musical cream of the crop, and Tunnell said the school’s culture of acceptance and support has invigorated students to participate in extra-curricular activities such as band.

“The culture’s really great here for that kind of thing,” Tunnell said.

Broughton’s older brother, Gabe, played the euphonium in the parade in 2014, of which Alexandra took notice. As a musician in band since fifth grade, she saw how far it could actually take someone.

She played the baritone and soprano saxophones before settling on the alto as her preferred instrument, but Broughton’s musical talents extend beyond the brass section, since she also plays the piano and the guitar.

Broughton is also a member of the school jazz band, along with the soccer team, cheer squad, and basketball team. Add practices at the theater, and she’s a busy, multitasking student.

“She’s very involved,” Tunnell said of Broughton. “I have such a great group.”

For her part, Broughton can’t believe more students don’t apply for such an opportunity, to be in New York City for a week. It will consist largely of practice for the parade, but they do get a free day, and Broughton’s mom and cousins are going to be there as well.

“I’m really surprised not a lot of people want to go,” she said.

Before she left, Broughton planned to work on marching drills, since the school doesn’t have a marching band and she’s going to walk three miles along the parade route playing her instrument and performing. It’s grueling, Tunnell said.

But Broughton is ready for the challenge, and for her chance to play on a major, national stage. When asked if she’s nervous as well as excited, Broughton’s face remained calm with just a bit of a smile.

“I don’t get nervous,” she said.

To see the Macy’s Great American Marching Band, tune into NBC to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Nov. 24.