WINTER GARDEN, Fla. — A Horizon High School junior is getting ready to perform on one of the biggest stages in the country, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

For 16-year-old Noah Sidabutar, it’s a moment built on family, practice and a determination not to quit.

What You Need To Know

Horizon High’s Noah Sidabutar will march in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade drumline in New York City on Thursday

The high school junior began playing piano at 6 years old before shifting to percussion at 8 years old

Sidabutar tried out but didn’t make the Macy’s Great American Marching Band last year

He spent a year taking lessons and practicing so he could audition again

Sidabutar said music has been part of his life for as long as he can remember.

“My entire family plays music. My mom and dad sing. They both play piano and bass, and my sisters sing and they play piano,” he said. “I was put into music at a very young age. I started at 6 years old playing piano, then switched to percussion at 8.”

His early love for percussion eventually led him to audition for the Macy’s Great American Marching Band, a national all-star ensemble featuring top high school musicians from across the country.

But the first time he tried out, he didn’t make it.

“I took some lessons with some great instructors in the area and practiced a lot. Unfortunately, the first year, I did not get in,” Sidabutar said. “But I made it my goal to get in next year. So I practiced and took some more lessons. And I got in this year.”

He will be part of the drumline that will march through New York City.

“It feels great, especially with the fact that I didn’t make it the first year,” Sidabutar said. “I was born and raised in New York, so getting to go back to my hometown to do what I love is awesome.”

Horizon High band director Charlene Cannon said Sidabutar’s work ethic is one of the reasons the school’s entire program is celebrating his accomplishment.

“Noah is an awesome student. He’s on our leadership team. He’s also in our drumline, so he marches snare drum,” Cannon said. “He’s participated in all-county bands and All-State band. He’s really the most well-rounded student and a fabulous percussionist.”

Cannon also watched his comeback firsthand.

“I know Noah auditioned last year and did not make it, but this year, he was selected after working for an entire year, taking private lessons and practicing a lot,” she said.

She said seeing him succeed has inspired other students in the band hall.

“Noah really is an awesome student, and the other students look up to him a lot,” Cannon said. “Doing this is like a spotlight on him and a spotlight for the program supporting him.”

Sidabutar said he hopes younger musicians hear the message behind his journey.

“Anything is possible if you believe hard enough,” he said. “If you work hard enough and if you put in the effort, you’ll get it.”

Sidabutar said he plans to pursue music after high school, but first, he’ll perform for millions of viewers as he marches in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.