Glenbard News Student Spotlight - From Glenbard East to NYC: Olive Turner leads Macy’s Marching Band

Click here to read the Glenbard News for November 5, 2025

Glenbard East senior Olive Turner is featured in today’s Glenbard News Spotlight. Turner is active in many of East’s fine arts offerings, including choir, band, orchestra and theater. This fall, she was selected as one of two drum majors who will lead the Macy’s Great American Marching Band in the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. Learn more about Olive in our Glenbard News Spotlight below.

What sparked your interest in becoming a drum major at Glenbard East? What are your favorite aspects of being in that role?

My interest in becoming a drum major at Glenbard East was actually sparked by my mom. She was a drum major here from 2001-2003, and I’ve always wanted to follow in her footsteps. I’ve always loved band and music, but my favorite part of all of it is having the opportunity to show my leadership in a positive way that helps others, as well as getting to collaborate with some of my favorite people.

How did you find out that you were selected to participate in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade? How excited are you for the opportunity?

I applied for this position all the way back in July, after attending the six-day Smith Walbridge Drum Major Clinic (SWC). Roughly 400 people applied through the clinic, so I really wasn’t expecting to get much out of it. However, I was sitting in my U.S. Government class on September 22nd, and got an email from Abbey Houser at SWC telling me that I was selected. I remember absolutely freaking out for the rest of the class period, and as soon as the bell rang, I RAN downstairs to tell Ms. Cappelletti and Mr. Catt. Tears were shed, and that moment will forever be a core memory for me. I’ve been preparing so much for the parade, and it feels so crazy that it’s so close! I absolutely can’t wait.

How different will it be leading a group during the Macy’s Parade versus your previous experiences in high school? Does it require a different mindset or skill?

It’s honestly really hard to know what to expect. One thing I know for sure though, is that the high school students that make up the Macy’s Great American Marching Band are the best of the best. I can’t even wrap my head around the fact that these kids are coming from all over the country. It’s definitely going to be a challenge to lead a band that is so dedicated to their craft, but I’m so excited to work with so many people that have the same mindset that I do.

Reflecting on your time at Glenbard East, what have been some of your most memorable moments or favorite performances you’ve been involved with?

I’m involved in a lot of music outside of just marching band. Between choir, band, orchestra, and theatre, it’s so hard to choose from. My all-time favorite performance, though, would have to be when Glenbard East’s Vocal Jazz Workshop performed at the Illinois Music Education Conference last year. It’s the hardest I’ve ever had to work to achieve something, and I’m still so unbelievably proud of what our group was able to accomplish. My favorite marching band memory, though, was my very first football game as a drum major. I marched piccolo the year before, but that was nothing compared to the thrill I felt doing something so new and so different. I was so happy making people proud.

Which musical artists and performers have inspired you over the years?