MARCHING.COM: 2013 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Marching Bands

Marching bands' musical selections for Macy's Parade announced

NEW YORK, November 4, 2013 — The best high school and university marching bands and the nation's top performance groups will shine side-by-side to dazzle the crowd at the 87th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. More than 3.5 million spectators and 50 million viewers nationwide will watch as the performers strut their way into the holiday season, bringing the magic of Macy's along for the ride. The 2013 parade steps off at 9:00 AM on Thursday, November 28.

In addition to being an entertaining spectacle, the musical performances showcase a diversity of creative talent that truly represent the very best of local communities. Returning units such as the Macy's Great American Marching Band, Spirit of America Dance and Varsity Spirit Cheer will be joined by first-time performance groups South Shore Drill Team and All That! to bring a diverse selection of music, dance and dramatics to this year's festivities.

For the marching bands, their Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade journey began more than 18 months ago, when band members were surprised at their schools with an invite to participate in the 2013 Parade by the Macy's Parade Band Committee. Selection into the Macy's Parade was based on submitted videos of past performances, awards, national recognition, letters of recommendation and of course each band's unique personality to captivate an audience. As confetti filled the air and cheers of delight echoed throughout the auditorium, each group took their invite to perform in the Macy's Parade as a pinnacle in their performing career.

   See related story: First band selection announced for
   2012 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Since their selection, the marching bands and performance groups have been busy perfecting their skills and helping to raise funds for their once in a lifetime trip to New York City. Showing their creative side, groups have developed interesting and exciting fundraising initiatives in their community. Corporations and philanthropic members of the community have been willing to help their hometown school but students have also thought outside the box to raise the funding. From selling candles and mattresses to homemade salsa sales, students have taken a variety of routes to make their dreams a reality.

   See related story: Photo Essay: A day in the life of
   a Macy's Parade marching band

Parade day begins early for marching bands when they rehearse their show for the NBC telecast. Carmel H.S. (Indiana) rehearsed at 4:05 AM for the 2011 Macy's Parade.

Parade day begins early for marching bands when they rehearse their show for the NBC telecast. Carmel H.S. (Indiana) rehearsed at 4:05 AM for the 2011 Macy's Parade.

Following is the list of marching bands appearing in the 87th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, along with the musical selections that will be performed during their televised appearance:

Concord High School Marching Minutemen
Elkhart, Indiana
Band Size: 217 Members
Band Director: Scott Spradling
Musical Selection: "Journey to the Center of the Mind"

Lakota West High School Marching Firebirds
West Chester, Ohio
Band Size: 274 Members
Band Director: Greg Snyder
Musical Selection: "A Copeland Fantasy"

Macy's Great American Marching Band
United States
Band Size: 245 Members
Band Directors: Dr. Rick Good & Dennis Rhoads
Musical Selection: "Macklemore Medley"

James Madison University Marching Royal Dukes
Harrisonburg, Virginia
Band Size: 482 Members
Band Director: Scott Rickers
Musical Selection: "My Favorite Things"

Marian Catholic High School Marching Band
Chicago Heights, Illinois
Band Size: 257 Members
Band Director: Greg Bimm
Musical Selection: "Sleigh Ride"

Mountain View High School Toro Marching Band
Mesa, Arizona
Band Size: 180 Members
Band Director: Scott Burgener
Musical Selection: "Sonoran Desert Holiday"

NYPD Marching Band
New York

Ooltewah High School Marching Band
Ooltewah, Tennessee
Band Size: 114 Members
Band Director: Joel Denton
Musical Selection: "The Wizard of Oz Medley"

Tarpon Springs High School Outdoor Performance Ensemble
Tarpon Springs, Florida
Band Size: 186 Members
Band Director: Kevin Ford
Musical Selection: "An American Reunion"

Union High School Renegade Regiment
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Band Size: 250 Members
Band Director: Matt McCready
Musical Selection: "Sirens"

Quantico Marine Corps Band
Quantico, Virginia
Band Size: 50 Members
Band Director: Brian Paradis
Musical Selection: "Strike Up The Band"

University of Massachusetts Minuteman Marching Band
Amherst, Massachusetts
Band Size: 380 Members
Band Director: Timothy Anderson
Musical Selection: "Big Noise From Winnetka"

In addition to the marching bands, the following performance groups will also appear in the 87th Anniversary Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade:

All That!
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Group Size: 11 Members
Group Leader: Mike Curtis
Routine: Southern Rock Routine

J.U.M.P. (Jumpers United for Macy's Parade)
Strongsville, Ohio
Group Size: 240 Members
Group Leader: Pam Evans
Routine: "I Need Your Love"

South Shore Drill Team
Chicago, Illinois
Group Size: 60 Members
Group Leader: Arthur Robinson
Routine: "Euphoria"

Spirit of America Dance
United States
Group Size: 650 Members
Group Leader: Laura Davis
Routine: "Tea Party Medley"

Varsity Spirit Cheer
United States
Group Size: 650 Members
Group Leader: Roger Hayes
Routine: "Super (S)hero Medley"

Further information on the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade can be obtained by calling the Parade Hotline at (212) 494-4495 or by visiting www.macys.com/parade.

See more information on Marching.com about the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and view the 2013 Macy's Parade route map and list of entries.

Text and logo courtesy of Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Photo by Marching.com.

Copyright 2013 Marching.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published or redistributed without permission.

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Marching bands set to march in 2013 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade