Siblings Shine in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in NYC

The 99th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City saw a remarkable performance from siblings Asher and Emily Lesniak, members of the West Aurora High School Marching Band. On November 27, 2025, they participated in the event as part of the esteemed Macy’s Great American Marching Band, showcasing their musical talents alongside approximately 180 other high school musicians from across the United States.

Asher, 16, expressed his enthusiasm for the experience, noting the thrill of performing amidst the giant helium balloons. “It was exciting to be amid all of the gigantic helium balloons,” he said. The siblings, who have been playing their instruments since elementary school—Asher on trumpet and Emily on saxophone—never imagined they would perform on the streets of Manhattan. “When we started playing, we never thought we would one day perform in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade,” Asher remarked.

The band performed a medley of Disney-themed and holiday songs, with rehearsals leading up to the event. The early morning rehearsal at Macy’s Herald Square was a highlight for the duo. “When we got to Herald Square, everyone in the band seemed to be jumping with excitement,” Asher recalled. Emily, 17, a senior, shared her disbelief at marching in such a prestigious event, stating, “It was really cool.”

Their parents, David and Lydia Lesniak, were present to witness their children’s performance. David, a band director at Plainfield East High School, has his own history with the parade, having performed in both the Macy’s parade and the Rose Bowl parade. He described the moment as a proud experience, saying, “It was a fantastic moment as parents to see our children in the spotlight enjoying what they like to do.”

The excitement of marching in the parade required dedication. The band rehearsed as early as 3:30 a.m. on the day of the event. The parents, fortunate not to have to wake up quite that early, found a good spot in the Grand Stand on Central Park South to watch their children. “We saw their rehearsal earlier this week, so we knew where to look for them,” David added.

Asher’s newfound enthusiasm for music was palpable. “When I first started playing the trumpet, I thought it would be just for fun. After this experience, I plan to stick with it,” he said. The Lesniak siblings’ journey from local musicians to performing in a globally recognized parade underscores the joy and excitement that music can bring into lives, especially during the holiday season.