Marching Orders: Williamstown Sophomore Gabe Maceira uses his talents on the national stage
Gabe Maceira, Williamstown Band Director Jed Corra and Jillian Carr pose during the Solo and Ensemble Festival in January. (Photo provided)
Gabe Maceira takes a selfie with bandmate Kaleb Roberts in the Williamstown High School bleachers. (Photo provided)
From left, Rivion Bennett, Gabe Maceira, and Kaleb Roberts hang out at the West Virginia Oil and Gas Festival in September 2023. (Photo provided)
The Williamstown Marching Band horn section poses in front of Phillip Barbour High School in Phillipi for the West Virginia Marching Band Invitational in October 2023. (Photo provided)
Gabe Maceira, Williamstown Band Director Jed Corra and Jillian Carr pose during the Solo and Ensemble Festival in January. (Photo provided)
Gabe Maceira takes a selfie with bandmate Kaleb Roberts in the Williamstown High School bleachers. (Photo provided)
From left, Rivion Bennett, Gabe Maceira, and Kaleb Roberts hang out at the West Virginia Oil and Gas Festival in September 2023. (Photo provided)
The Williamstown Marching Band horn section poses in front of Phillip Barbour High School in Phillipi for the West Virginia Marching Band Invitational in October 2023. (Photo provided)
Trending
WILLIAMSTOWN -- Williamstown High School sophomore Gabe Maceira will honor a family tradition come November.
He and his family have watched the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade in New York every Thanksgiving. One of the acts performing includes the Macy's Great American Marching Band, composed of high school musicians and dancers from all across the United States. This coming November, he will march as a member of that band.
"They always say, this band is made of the best musicians from all 50 states. I wanted to take a chance and showcase what I can do," he said.
Maceira has been playing tuba for three years with the Williamstown marching band. He said the instrument is more versatile than others might realize.
"When you have a nice tuba section, you have a foundation to build the music on," he said. "Most people see the tuba in the back going, bom, bom, bom, which is partially true."
Maceira said the audition process for Great American Marching Band was straightforward. He filled out an online form, and filmed himself playing and marching.
Receiving his acceptance email was briefly delayed by a common email mishap.
"It was emailed out March 8 and I didn't see it until the 13th or 15th. It went to my junk folder," he said."When I first read it, it was disbelief, then excitement."
Maceira said he had to tone down his excitement since he read the email during an All Region Honor Band rehearsal.
"I turned to the person next to me and told them I got into the Macy's band. They said `that's cool, man.'"
He also caught the attention of an older student who had been a mentor to him, who was also excited.
The next step would be financing the trip. Maceira said his family wouldn't be able to fund it on their own. He decided to set up a GoFundMe.
"I've seen other people fund projects that way," he said.
He also decided to post the link to his TikTok account. He said he wasn't sure what to expect.
"I posted a slideshow that said, `hey I'm Gabe, I'm from West Virginia. I got into the Macy's band. Can you help me get to New York?'"
Maceira said within two days, his post went viral and the donations came in rapidly.
"People from all across the country that I don't know were donating and wishing me good luck," he said. "I couldn't believe how far it spread."
Due to others' generosity, he was able to fund his trip in full. Maceira said he was grateful to everyone who donated, whether they were family, local or strangers.
"The main reason I am able to do this is due to the local community and social media. This is the best case scenario when it comes to crowdfunding," he said.
To date, the video has been viewed 150,000 times and liked over 21,000 times. It can be found at isitbigmac.