By Ainsley Hall
MARTINSBURG — Martinsburg High School student Rena Mullenax will represent West Virginia in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Nov. 28, joining students from all over the country as they gather in New York City to participate in this holiday tradition.
After the Martinsburg High School band accomplished its goal of playing in Disney World last year, Mullenax wanted to find a new fun and exciting goal to work toward. She originally set her sights on getting the entire band involved in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, but after finding out that the process takes several years, she decided to take a different approach. Her friend told her that she could audition as an individual to march in the parade.
Back in January of this year, Mullenax filled out the application, then made several videos of herself playing the piccolo to show she had the skills required to participate. The parade organizers then picked several students from each state to represent their home during the parade. Mullenax is excited to represent not only West Virginia but also the City of Martinsburg during the holiday tradition.
During the trip, Mullenax will have the opportunity to see the Radio City Rockettes live. She also looks forward to meeting other talent musicians her age from all over the country and working with them to put together a great show. She is expected to memorize two songs before they travel to New York City. Then, Mullenax and the other musicians will have only a few days to practice and prepare themselves for the parade.
Mullenax has been playing music since she was in sixth grade, when Casie Adams was her music teacher. Now, Adams is her band director in high school.
Mullenax knows how to play the flute and piccolo and has even done some conducting for the band. Her passion for music is clear, as she works to challenge herself and find new opportunities to share her skills.
“For me, it’s definitely the teacher and the people that make me so passionate about music,” Mullenax said. “The drive Mrs. Adams gives encourages all to improve. We are all asking, ‘How can we get better?’ My flute teacher also helps me strive to get better. And then, I also have an internal drive to reach my goals.”
Adams believes Mullenax sets a great example for the younger students, as they continue to work hard and improve their music. She hopes to see other students follow in Mullenax’s footsteps in the future.
“Since I first started teaching Rena in sixth grade, I knew that she would be one of the best students,” Adams said. “She is a hard worker and is dedicated. She is an all-around great kid. I’m so proud of her, and I’m excited to watch her on Thanksgiving.”
Though this year she will be going alone, Mullenax hopes to see the Bulldog Band travel to New York City to join the parade someday in the future. Until then, she encourages her fellow bandmates and other students to look for more outside opportunities to better themselves. She hopes more students will strive for personal growth, while also helping the band improve, but most importantly, have fun while doing it.