When he accepted the band director’s position at Atlee High School in June, Paul Rozecki Jr. knew he would be at the helm of a strong and talented group.
And he was right.

Six of his students were selected for the prestigious Macy’s Great American Marching Band, which participated in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thanksgiving Day in New York City.

All seven were modest when talking about their achievement last Wednesday in one of the school’s music rooms.

They did agree, however, that it was a wonderful experience – and four, as juniors, have plans to audition and return next year.

The six students – Daniel Scruggs, alto saxphone; Chris Gravatt, alto saxophone; Matt Nichols, percussion; Paul Staples, percussion; Garrett Mitchell, trumpet; and Taylor Fay, guard — were among 289 students representing the Macy’s Great American Marching Band.

They are the first students from Hanover County to be selected for the honor. The Great American Marching Band premiered in 2006.

In August, they submitted audition tapes for consideration.

With pride, Rozecki said, “Virginia sent eight kids; we had six of the eight.” He talked about the talent of the band, and, looking at five of the six students (Garrett was taking an exam and joined the interview later), said “they’re really strong.”

“Six kids was unexpected, now I know how good they are,” the director said.

He accompanied them on the trip, which saw them leaving Hanover County on Nov. 21 and returning Nov. 28.

As a member of the color guard, Fay said her audition featured flag work, dancing and “all that good stuff.”

The experience, Matt said, “came out to be just perfect – what I was hoping for.”

Half of the day was spent rehearsing, while the other half was left for sightseeing, Taylor added.

“High points,” Chris said, “were meeting people from all over the country and experiencing so many other cultures.”

Paul said that the sound they made was “so cool.”

Matt jumped into the conversation, pointing out that the percussionists received “fresh drums from Mapex,” which is a division of Jupiter.

Rozecki said Mapex and Jupiter provide all new percussion and brass instruments for the event.

Daniel said he “really enjoyed being with everyone from around the country,” especially in Times Square.

The Great American Marching Band performed “Jingle Bell Jam,” a street beat (cadence) and a medley of Christmas carols, which was spotlighted for their television appearance. “It was a lot of fun,” Paul was quick to note.

Taylor said she has experienced some celebrity moments since returning. “It has been a really big deal – multiple people have come up to me and said I saw your name in the paper. It’s a really big honor [to have participated].”

“It is definitely one of the best experiences of my life,” Matt said.

Taylor, Matt, Daniel and Chris all say they are considering including music in their college studies.

Taylor has plans to pursue vocal performance, while Daniel said he looks to major in biology and minor in music either at James Madison University or Virginia Tech.

With his sights set on performance saxophone, Chris said he also may study music theory and composition.

For the first four and a half days of their trip to the Big Apple, Chris had “convinced people that I was British.” With a little encouragement, he provided a sample of his accent. While with the group, he became known as “London” for his charade.

Another significant moment came when they saw the Christmas tree being erected at Rockefeller Center.

While there were chuckles about Matt’s dissatisfaction with the swimming pool at the Hilton Hotel in Woodcliff Lake, N.J., and there was a remark about the Jacuzzi being broken, Rozecki did say that “the dance floor was bumping.” He said the group “had glow sticks and everything.”

By staying at that Hilton Hotel, they were able to enjoy the dinner and dance that wrap up the week on-site.

And it was a full week. Among the sites they visited were the Top of the Rock (the observation deck at Rockefeller Center), Times Square and the Statue of Liberty.

Rozecki has been involved with the Logistics Committee of the Great American Marching Band for three years. He came to Atlee High from neighboring Varina High School in Henrico County.

He is already looking to the 2009 parade, saying he hopes “for more auditions next year.”

The cost for the trip to New York City was $1,250 per student. To aid in the expenses, a spaghetti fundraiser was held.

Rozecki also said “several people said, ‘Hey, can I write a check for the Macy’s kids?’ ”

“Hanover County has such talented band kids,” he continued. “I hope others (county schools) will audition for it [the Great American Marching Band].”

He calls the county “a music stronghold in Virginia” and that he “came here because of the strength in music.”

Rozecki, in urging his students and others throughout the county to consider the experience, said “the audition is for the chance of a lifetime.”