Saluting America's Band Directors™ (SABD), was conceived as a way to recognize and salute the extraordinary dedication and accomplishments of band directors at all levels, including middle and high schools, colleges and universities, the military, and community bands.
The SABD Marching Band is a project of the Michael D. Sewell Memorial Foundation  created in 2017 to carry on the legacy of the late Mike Sewell, longtime band director in the Pickerington, Ohio school system.

Haverfield, who plays trumpet, was one of 400 band directors selected out of more than 700 who auditioned to march in the Macy’s Parade this fall.

“The organization formed a few years ago to advocate for music education,” Haverfield explained. “The SABD Marching Band performed at Rose Parade a couple of years ago (2022).”

When the organization announced that they would be marching in the Macy’s Parade in 2023, Haverfield decided to audition.

“Some people had to be turned away based more on logistics than talent,” Haverfield shared noting that finding accommodations for so many people in NYC the week of Thanksgiving is quite a challenge. “They gave some precedence if you knew someone who marched in the Rose Parade and was willing to give a recommendation. I have a friend who marched in the Rose Parade and gave me a little bump with a recommendation.”