Mitchell Richardson, a sophomore at South Webster High School and the son of Shawn and Kelli Richardson has auditioned and been selected to participate in the 2011 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York with The Great American Marching Band Drum Line.

 Mitchell is the captain of the Percussion Section for the South Webster High School Marching Band, under the direction of Mr. Ryan Ervin. Mitchell has performed with the Scioto County Honors Band for the past 3 years, is a member of the Portsmouth Community Orchestra, is the percussionist for the South Webster Select Sound, and also plays baseball and soccer. Mitchell is in the Department of Education Upward Bound Program at Shawnee State University, SSU Educational Talent Search, and is actively involved with the South Webster High School musicals.

 Students are selected for The Great American Marching Band on their musical abilities and past achievements. The opportunity is open to students from over 14,000 high schools across the United States.

 Stepping-off from Central Park, 2.5 million live spectators will cheer the Band on, before arriving at Macy’s Herald Square for their national performance for more than 50 million TV viewers watching the broadcast live on NBC.

 The students will have the chance to participate in this prestigious band with over 200 students, representing every state. The musicians, under the direction of Dr. Richards Good, Auburn University and Dr. Jon Woods from The Ohio State University will be complemented by 50 flags and dancers choreographed by Greg Lagola of the famed Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps of Allentown, Pennsylvania.

 The students will also have the opportunity to attend a leadership/educational workshop while in New York. The workshop will focus on leadership and encourage students to achieve their maximum potential.

 Mitchell would like to thank Mr. Ryan Ervin for the positive direction in his musical career as well as the amazing opportunity for South Webster to have their very first competitive marching band. Mr. Shanen Zimmerman and Cory Claxon for their patience while he attends drum rehearsals. Shane Johnson for his amazing work on the audition DVD, and Cliff Riley for the countless hours of drum lessons-THANK YOU to all including my family for their support!