Berkeley Heights Student To March in Philadelphia Thanksgiving Parade

By Donna Klein

Many will celebrate this Thanksgiving Day with family around their table. But one student from Berkeley Heights, who attends Governor Livingston High School, will be traveling to Philadelphia this year. 

Andrew Savino, a clarinet player in the Highlander Marching Band, will represent the school at the annual Philadelphia’s Thanksgiving Day Parade that will be broadcasted on NBC. 

A true Philadelphia tradition, the 1.4-mile Thanksgiving Day parade is the oldest in the country. The parade includes floats and giant balloons, plus local performers from choirs, dance groups, marching bands and more. Santa also arrives in grand fashion, welcoming Philadelphia into the holiday season.

Andrew will march with the 2012 Tournament of Band All-Star Band, which draws students from 9 states. The band will be led by fine instructors from all across the region, including Mr. Raymond Troxell, Assistant Band Director for Governor Livingston High School. 

Andrew is the first student from the Highlander Band to participate in the TOB All-Star Band.  He will be playing saxophone, and will wear the traditional plaid uniform of the Highlanders.  He was awarded a scholarship from the GL Band Parents Organization, and like other students, will have participation costs covered by the TOB.

The Highlander band recently won the TOB Atlantic Coast Championship, New Jersey State and their Chapter X Championship. 

Residents can see the band perform locally at New Providence High School during half-time of the Thanksgiving Day football game. Game time is 11 a.m. For more information about the band, please visit www.highlanderband.org