Macy’s
Great American Marching Band
OPPORTUNITY: In January of 2009, the Executive Director for the Macy’s Great American Marching Band, Ron Simmons, reached out to ask Fran if he would create a high-energy opening session with students from across the U.S. All of them would be coming together for the first time in preparation to march in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
RESULTS: Fran created an opening motivational interactive welcoming keynote that was a cross between a college orientation convocation team-building experience and an experiential leadership workshop. Bringing a meet-and-greet-each-other activity together along with a few legally licensed leadership lesson movie clips, Fran focused and connected students from various backgrounds with his fast-paced humor and insight.
UPDATE: The response was so positive, Fran was invited back in 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, and 2021.
PRESENTED BY:
A proud musical tradition continues as Macy’s and Music Festivals & Tours continue to present The Macy’s Great American Marching Band at the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Honoring America’s finest high school musicians, color guard members, and dancers, this band is comprised of select students from across the U.S.
“Fran Kick always brings…!”
Dennis Rhoads, President of Music Festivals & Tours