St. John’s College High School junior Christine Callaghan had watched the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on television for years. But now she has appeared in the parade for the second year in a row. The 16-year-old from Annandale was asked to join the parade’s prestigious “All-American Band” as a clarinetist.
How long have you playing the clarinet?
Since fourth grade.
Do you enjoy it?
It’s my passion.
Classical or jazz?
Classical. I do play tenor sax in a jazz ensemble at school, but my main focus is classical.
Who’s your favorite composer?
John Williams. I love all his music he’s done for the movies. It really gives you a sense of the movie.
What was your first piece you remember playing in public?
“Hot Cross Buns” in fourth grade. It’s the first thing anyone ever plays on the instrument.
What’s your second favorite instrument?
I’d have to say the trumpet. It’s a lot of fun. Partly because I can play a lot of John Williams’ music on it.
What was the best part of last year’s Macy’s experience?
The best part was on Thanksgiving Day we went to Herald Square and practiced at 3:30 in the morning. It was so cold. But it was just so much fun.
Do you hope to pursue a career in music?
Most definitely. I want to go to a conservatory to play clarinet.
When you’re not on your clarinet or other instruments, what are you doing?
That takes a lot of my time. I do what everyone else does — hang out with my friends, go shopping. But music takes up a lot of my time.
Do you have a favorite clarinetist?
Besides my teacher, not really anyone.
