A Colfax High School student will march her way through Manhattan Thursday morning.

Kelsey Krall is one of just 250 musicians picked to be a part of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Kelsey packed her bags last week Friday for a week-long trip to New York. Now, the stage is set for her big city debut.

She's only been clanging her cymbals for a couple years..

"She joined at the beginning of her high school career," says Colfax High School Band Director Jim Woodford.

But, Kelsey caught on quick.

"She’s willing to try anything," Woodford says.

This Thanksgiving, Kelsey will try something new—marching in front of millions!

"I’m excited for the experience of seeing how I handle bigger parades," Kelsey says.

Kelsey will help head up a very big parade—Macy's 81st annual Thanksgiving Day Parade. She's one of just 250 high schoolers from all 50 states picked to be a part of the Great American Band.

"I thought it might be fun to audition," Kelsey tells us.

A taped tryout led to a unexpected letter...

"I was really excited! My mom called me at school and said she read the letter,” Kelsey says. “I couldn't speak. I had to wait a while before I told Mr. Woodford."

"This is nationally recognized,” Woodford says. “They'll know we have a student from Colfax, Wisconsin and the Colfax High School Band. It makes me very proud of her."

Kelsey's proud band director hopes her big day in the big city serves as an inspiration to her classmates.

"It’s a little bit of motivation that they can do great things," he says.

And while Colfax High School, population 220 students is smaller than the band Kelsey will be a part of this Thanksgiving, Mr. Woodford is sure the entire town will join the 2.5 million people lining the sidewalks and the 50 million TV viewers to cheer on the cymbalist from Colfax.

You can join the millions watching and root Kelsey along the parade route Thursday morning.
The Macy's parade kicks off at 9 a.m. right here on TV-13. Just don't forget, the band Kelsey’s playing in is right at the beginning of the parade!