Joe Gaither to march in 2023 Macy!s Thanksgiving Day Parade

GREENWICH — Following its inaugural appearance in the 2022 Rose Parade, the Saluting America's Band Directors project is again bringing together band directors from across the country to New York City on Nov. 23 under the theme, "America's band directors: We teach music. We teach life." Joe Gaither, a Director of Bands of South Central Local Schools, has been selected to join a marching band of 400 band directors from across the country in the historic Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. The Saluting America's Band Directors parade entry will again convey its theme, "America's band directors: We teach music. We teach life." to recognize the extraordinary dedication and accomplishments of band directors and music educators everywhere. Throughout their careers, the music educators in this band have collectively mentored and taught hundreds of thousands of students. These professionals not only teach and direct music, they teach about life itself. According to Gaither, "I'm doing this to inspire my own students. All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them", Gaither quotes Walt Disney. The band will be directed by nationally known music educator and innovative band director Jon Waters. The sponsoring organization behind the Saluting America's Band Directors project is the Michael D. Sewell Memorial Foundation, based in Pickerington, Ohio. The foundation was created to recognize and carry on the work of the late Mike Sewell, who dedicated his life to the school and community music programs in Pickerington and the Central Ohio area for almost 40 years.