Jacksonville Student Will Join Thanksgiving Day Parade
Oakleaf High School student Brendan Bowens earned a spot in the nationally televised 2026 Macy's parade performance.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Brendan Bowens, a 15-year-old student at Oakleaf High School, will perform in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 26, 2026. He is the only student from the Jacksonville area selected for the high school band.
Why it matters
Selection for the prestigious band offers elite performance opportunities for high school musicians nationwide. Bowens is currently seeking $5,000 in community sponsorships to cover the travel and performance costs associated with the trip to New York City.
Bowens is one of 211 high school students chosen from across the country for the performance. Sixteen total students were selected from Florida, with Bowens representing the only participant from the Jacksonville region.
The players
Brendan Bowens
He is a 15-year-old Oakleaf High School student and self-taught clarinetist who earned a spot in the 2026 Macy's parade band.
Oakleaf High School
Located in Clay County, this is the educational institution where Brendan Bowens is currently enrolled.
The details
To earn his spot, the clarinetist submitted an audition tape featuring a musical selection and a marching video. A self-taught musician, he has utilized instructional videos and formal studies in music composition to develop his skills over the last five years.
Timeline
Bowens performed with the Clay County All-County Band in 2024 and 2026.
He placed third at the Concert on the Green in 2025.
He earned the Quincy Jones Musicianship Award during the 2024-25 school year.
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade will occur on November 26, 2026.
Market Landscape
This achievement follows the trajectory of high-achieving student musicians who have previously received the Quincy Jones Musicianship Award. It highlights the competitive landscape for young performers seeking national exposure through elite music programs.
Local residents and businesses can contribute to the student's trip through a donation portal for travel expenses. The funds are necessary for the student to participate in the upcoming parade performance in New York City.
The takeaway
Supporting student athletes and musicians in their pursuit of national honors often requires significant community financial assistance. Local residents interested in the arts can play a direct role in enabling these students to represent the region on major national stages.
Further reading
Find more local stories on the Jacksonville Philanthropy section page.
More information
Contribute to the student travel expenses donation portal by visiting the student travel expenses donation portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Florida Times-Union.
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Should community members provide financial support for local youth selected to perform at national events?
