Sanderson High School senior Colin Fernandez, 17, has scored a spot in the big leagues. Colin recently auditioned and was chosen as one of 204 students from across the United States to march in the annual Macy's Day Thanksgiving Parade.

In honor of the 80th anniversary, Macy's partnered with the Gateway Music Festivals and Tours, a company that customizes music tours and performances, to create Macy's Great American Marching Band.

The contest was open to all high school students across the U.S. Four were chosen from each state, according to a Macy's news release.

"I'm really excited about the Macy's opportunity," said Colin, who will play the snare drum in the parade. "I will be meeting kids who like music as much as a I do from all over the U.S."

Colin's mom, Brenda, found out about the auditions in a magazine for music educators and encouraged Colin to try out.

He has been a member of the Sanderson marching band for four years and plans to major in music education after graduation.

Students selected also get the chance to attend workshops on leadership.

The parade airs on Thanksgiving Day from 9 a.m. to noon on NBC.

---

Ravenscroft School is welcoming one of their own back to the stage.

Chris Weisler, a 2003 graduate and now a member of the Cincinnati Ballet, will guest star in the City Ballet's annual production of The Nutcracker. Weisler will play the role of Cavalier in the play.

Weisler graduated from the North Carolina School of the Arts and has trained with the Carolina Ballet and the Hungarian National Ballet Academy, according a news release from City Ballet.

Showtimes are: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1; 11:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2; and 2:30 p.m. Dec. 3.

Tickets are $8, $12 and $16. All performances are in Ravenscroft's Fine Arts Building at 7409 Falls of the Neuse.

For more information, visit www.city-ballet.com or send ticket inquiries to nutcrackertickets@nc.rr.com.