Christian Sincich, 17, of Howland, practices his trumpet for the Macy's Thanksgiving parade in New York. Instructing him is music teacher Bill Hrusovsky,

CORTLAND — Christian Sincich’s final year at Howland High School will include a special opportunity as he has been selected to join 185 other musicians from across the nation to perform Thursday in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.

He said he saw an audition online for the Macy’s Great American Marching Band with requirements that included playing a trumpet solo and providing video of marching fundamentals.

The 17-year-old band member is the son of Bob and Erica Sincich. The family had seen the Macy’s Great American Marching Band perform in 2016 when they visited New York City for Thanksgiving.

“When I saw them perform I thought this would be something I would like to be part of before I graduate from high school,” he said.

Sincich said nearly 4,000 auditions were submitted this year and 185 high school band members from all 50 states were selected. The band will be led by Dr. Rick Good of Auburn University.

“There are so many who submit auditions. I never thought I would be selected,” he said.

Sincich has been preparing for the event with private lessons from instructor Bill Hrusovsky at Daybreak Music in Cortland. Sincich has competed in solo and ensemble competitions receiving superior ratings.

Hrusovsky, who was thrilled to hear Sincich was selected for the parade, has been teaching Sincich music since elementary school.

“I teach him different techniques to play the trumpet. We do not just go over the parade music but other songs,” Hrusovsky said. “He started playing the horn when he was in elementary school. I have helped bring him from where he was in elementary school to where he is today.”

Sincich left this weekend for New York City where he will rehearse daily until Thanksgiving.

In addition to practicing, the band members also will tour the city and attend a Broadway musical and a student leadership session.

Bob Sincich said his son was practicing two holiday-themed songs they will perform during the three-mile stretch.

“They wanted to see Christian’s playing skills and marching skills. They were looking for precision when marching,” he said.

“This is the first time in recent school history that a Howland High School student has auditioned and been a part of a National Honors Marching Band. Christian is a strong, confident player and leader and I know he will make his band, school and community proud,” Greg Rezebak, Howland High School band director, said.

Christian Sincich said on Thanksgiving the band members must be in uniform and prepared to depart for the parade route by 2 a.m.

The band will march for three miles and then perform at Herald Square in front of Macy’s near the end of the parade. The parade is broadcast on national television 9 to 11 a.m.

There will be a closing ceremony and dinner dance Thursday evening for families.

“I view this like I would any performance with Howland High School marching band. Before I was in the band. it was neat seeing other bands perform on the field or on television. This is my chance now to perform in front of millions of people live in New York and on television,” Sincich said.