Barton Community College’s Director of Instrumental Activities Jamie Minneman participated in a once-in-a-lifetime experience last week by marching with the Saluting America’s Band Directors (SABD) in the 97th Annual Macy’s Parade in New York City. 

As part of SABD, Minneman participated in the Service Through Music project. Service Through Music encourages participants to serve their local communities through music. On Sept. 11, Minneman hosted an instrumental performance on the Barton County campus to pay tribute to those who lost their lives on 9/11. She then performed with the Band Directors Marching Band at a wreath-laying ceremony at the 9/11 Memorial in New York on Nov. 20.  

“The highlight for me was performing at the 9/11 memorial,” she said. “I had tears streaming down my face during Amazing Grace. It was so emotional being at the location I had only witnessed on television.”

Minneman played alongside 415 directors selected from across the nation from over 900 applications. There were over 7,000 years of teaching experience among the members, with some directors teaching globally.

“The Macy’s Parade is an iconic tradition,” she said. “I was so proud to represent Kansas and Barton Community College,” she said. “There is something about the camaraderie and the power in the sound of that many great musicians. The memories that will last a lifetime.”

For more information on the Service Through Music Organization, visit banddirectorsalute.org/service-through-music.

For more information about Barton’s instrumental activities, contact Minneman at minnemanj@bartonccc.edu or 620-792-9396.