One Austin student goes from marching across Wescott Field to parading from Central Park to Macy’s Herald Square in New York City next week.

Ingrid Baudler, a senior at Austin High School, will march with the Macy’s Great American Marching Band in the Thanksgiving Day Parade next Thursday.

“I am definitely excited. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity,” Baudler said, who plays the French horn, and marches with the mellophone.

“I have played the French horn since I was in fifth grade,” she said.

(A mellophone takes the place of a French horn in marching bands).

Baudler, who is a member of Minnesota’s All-State Band, is one of four Minnesotans who applied and was accepted to play in the Great American Marching Band.

The band is comprised of select students from each of the 50 states.

The 185 musicians will march with 50 flags and dancers, choreographed by Greg Lagola of the Cadets Drum Corp of Pennsylvania, according to the Macy’s marching band website.

Baudler plans to play French horn in college next year, in the band and orchestra.

She has yet to select a school, but said she is considering studying English with a minor in Spanish and music.

In addition to marching in the parade, Baudler and the other band members will have meals, lodging and siteseeing arranged for their New York City trip.

Baudler heads to the city Saturday for rehearsals.

“I can’t wait,” she said.