Chicago Heights, IL-(ENEWSPF)- Marian Catholic High School Marching Band will perform in the 2013 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Marian Catholic Marching Band will begin their performance to the sound of Let’s Have a Parade, the iconic phrase that has signaled the start of every Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade since 1924. The world famous event is recognized by many as the official start of the holiday season – and how could it not be? Fantastic floats, sky high giant character balloons, wacky clowns, superstar performers and the highly anticipated marching bands, have helped the spectacle transcend from a mere march to America’s Parade. With more than 3.5 million live spectators and 50 million at-home viewers, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is the ultimate entertainment stage for fans young and old.
Band director Greg Bimm expressed his excitement over the event.“There is a different kind of energy when you are preparing for a performance at this level. It’s one more very special opportunity that our students get to experience. The Macy’s Parade is one of the two greatest parades in the United States, making this an experience that cannot be replicated anywhere else. Performing in the Macy’s Parade with all of your high school friends is a once in a lifetime experience. ”
“Our hope is that MILLIONS upon MILLIONS of people will hear the name Marian Catholic, possibly for the first time, and associate it with excellence and outstanding character. What a terrific way to present our school to the rest of the world.” added assistant band director, Bobby Lambert.
For more than 85 years, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has given thanks to what Macy’s values most – its loyal fans. More than 5,000 Macy’s employees and dedicated volunteers work tirelessly to create a spectacular event that entertains the cheerful crowds and provides joy to millions at home watching on Thanksgiving Day. The Parade marches down a more than two-mile long New York City route gleaming with color, music and cheers that fill the autumn sky.
“I think performing for millions of people will be an amazing experience,” said Ellen Chmura Student Band President and a senior at Marian Catholic. “While I am excited to visit New York City for the first time and make memories with my friends, I am also looking forward to what this experience will mean for me as a musician. This opportunity will help me grow into the performer I am striving to become.”
Marian Catholic Marching Band was selected to be one of 12 marching ensembles in the 2013 Parade beating out of more than 150 applicants nationwide. Their outstanding musical ability, marching and performance skills and local recognition reinforced Macy’s decision to showcase the band’s talent during the grand march on Thursday, November 28, 2013.
The Macy’s Parade takes more than a year to plan, with bands chosen over 18 months in advance to their Parade debut. Each band application is thoroughly reviewed by the Macy’s Parade Band Committee, which looks every year for bands that not only possess great musical and marching ability, but the stage presence to captivate a nation.
This is the second time the Marian Catholic Marching Band has been selected to perform in the Thanksgiving Day parade. With the support of their school and community, the Marian Catholic Marching Band, which consists of 225 members, will march its way into "parade history."
