At Tuesday night’s Committee of the Whole meeting, mayor of Aurora, John Laesch honored two West Aurora High School students who represented Aurora on the national stage, performing at last week’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.
Asher and Emily Lesniak were selected to perform as part of the Macy’s Great American Marching Band, following a rigorous national application process. Both students were chosen to participate along with 178 other high school musicians from around the country.
“This is such an impressive accomplishment for Asher, Emily, and the City of Aurora,” mayor John Laesch said. “You proudly represented our City in front of tens of millions of viewers, and I appreciate your talent and hard work.”
Asher is currently a junior and plays the trumpet, while his sister, Emily, is a senior and plays the saxophone.
“They’ve both been in band since fifth grade,” Lydia Lesniak, Asher and Emily’s mother, said. “The audition process was intense, but they sent in their video auditions, and both were accepted. It was a neat experience, and I’m glad they both were able to go.”
The band was under the direction of Dr. Richard Good of Auburn University, Alex Shive, an Auburn University Graduate and Percussion Director, Bart Woodley of Winter Guard International, and Kailene Laga, Dance Instructor. Several talented music educators from across the country also assisted the music staff members.
An estimated three million spectators lined the parade route, while 50 million-plus viewers watched the broadcast on linear television.
— City of Aurora government