There are two kinds of people in this world: Those who get excited to watch football on Thanksgiving, and those who get excited about watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. 

I happen to fall into the latter category.

Ever since I was a young kid, I awoke every Thanksgiving morning, ran downstairs, and immediately turned on the Thanksgiving Day Parade if it wasn't already on. It's a tradition that I still stick to 20+ years later. 

Along with the spectacular floats, musical acts, and high-flying balloons, a staple of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is the marching band performances. Programs from across the world travel to New York City for their chance to bask in the spotlight in front of a national audience.

Here's everything you need to know about all 11 marching band programs that are attending the 2024 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade:

Avon Marching Black & Gold

Fresh off of their Gold Medal victory at the 2024 Bands of America Grand National Championships, the Avon Marching Black & Gold is the largest performing ensemble in the Avon High School Band program. 

"With a focus on a well-rounded music educational experience, the program also includes five ability-based concert bands, two color guards, indoor drumline, indoor winds, and multiple chamber ensemble & solo performances. Over the years, Avon has won multiple state & national championships at every level of competition. Plus, it’s the only band program in the country to compete at the world-class level in all three divisions (color guard, percussion, and winds) at the Winter Guard International world championships, having won all three divisions in 2022."

The Carolina Band of the University of South Carolina

Based out of Columbia, South Carolina, "'The Mighty Sound of the Southeast' performs exciting and entertaining music from traditional school songs to pop music, including rock, jazz, and music from movies & television. Founded in 1920 as a student-led group of approximately 20 students, the Carolina Band has grown to number over 375 students selected by competitive audition & representing over 65 academic majors. Students in the Carolina Band hail from 23 U.S. states and represent virtually every college & school on the USC Columbia campus, with numerous Honors College students & Capstone Scholars."

East Tennessee State University Marching Buccaneers

"Reestablished in 2015 after the football & marching band programs were dormant from 2003-2014, this band took the field a year ahead of schedule with 163 members, approximately 100 more members than the previous band in 2002. The band quickly grew in both quality & quantity, setting a new school record for the largest band in school history several years in a row. Today the band is 360 members strong. In addition to providing support for the university & its athletic programs, the band represents the school throughout the region. Beyond a strong sense of family among its members, the band is known for providing high-energy entertainment."

Flower Mound High School Marching Band

"As a staple in the community of Flower Mound, Texas, this band program has 430 members & is comprised of two marching bands, five concert bands, multiple percussion ensembles, and winterguards. The band performs locally & nationally for sprit events, concerts, community performances, and contests. The marching band is a three-time Grand National Finalist & has won the Texas UIL State Marching Contest gold, silver, and bronze medals. Plus, the program has been recognized by the John Philip Sousa Foundation & awarded both the Sudler Shield & Sudler Flag, honors for only the most prestigious high school programs in the country."

The Lake Hamilton High School Marching Band - The Power Band of Arkansas

"Founded in 1975, this band boasts a legacy of excellence, highlighted by multiple state marching championships & numerous honors, including being named State Honor Band. One of its most remarkable achievements is an ongoing record of 26 consecutive Arkansas State Band & Orchestra Association Sweepstakes Awards. In addition to state-level honors, the Power Band has excelled on the national stage as a Bands of America regional finalist & class medalist multiple times. The key to the band’s sustained success is the support from the Lake Hamilton community, school district, parents, and administration, as well as the hard work & dedication of the students."

Macy's Great American Marching Band

"This band is celebrating its 18th year as it marches in the 98th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade® this November. The MGAMB has been featured in our Parade since 2006, except for one year when the band didn’t march due to Covid-19. It has become one of the top honor marching bands in the country. The MGAMB honors America's finest high school musicians, color guard members & dancers, and consists of 225 students that have been selected by audition from high school band programs from across the United States."

The Majestic Marching Cardinals of Jonesboro High School

"This exciting marching unit from Georgia is making its Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade debut. Over the last five years, the band’s size has grown to over 150 members & its profile has risen with appearances in the Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade, The National Independence Day Parade, and an invitation from First Lady Jill Biden to visit the White House. Beyond accolades, this high school band fosters experiences that shape students into well-rounded adults."

New York City Police Department Marching Band

"From its inception in 1901, the NYPD Band has been a symbol of musical prowess & tradition. Since 1991, the band has comprised a multitude of ensembles ranging from the soulful jazz band to the vibrant steel pan band. Featuring active-duty police officers from various precincts throughout New York City, the band is a testament to the city’s eclectic makeup. Known for their captivating performances, the band has showcased their talents on both local & international stages. Beyond their musical abilities, the NYPD Band fosters a sense of unity & camaraderie among its members, reflecting their shared dedication to service & community."

The Pride of West Virginia - The Mountaineer Marching Band

"Formed in 1901 as an all-male ROTC band with just eight members & led by its first director Walter Mestrezat, the WVU Marching Band initially served as a military ensemble. It played for military parades, campus events, and football games in strict military style. In 1925, a faction of non-ROTC students formed a rival band, challenging the ROTC’s exclusive status. This "rebel" band led to the creation of WVU’s Omicron chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi, a student organization that would eventually merge with the ROTC band, forming the unified WVU Marching Band. Known today as "The Pride of West Virginia," the band has made numerous college bowl game appearances. In 1997, it was recognized as the nation's outstanding collegiate marching band. After performing in the 2016 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Pride returns to perform in our fall tradition."

Sioux Falls Lincoln High School "Patriot" Marching Band

"As one of the largest band programs in the upper Midwest, this group features a 215-member marching band, four concert bands, three jazz bands, and a pep band. It features the top talent from across South Dakota and has been a Bands of America Super Regional Finalist five of the last ten years. The band provides a high-quality musical experience for all its members while encouraging a lifelong love for music. After appearing in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade® in 1994, 2000, and 2008, the band makes an exciting return to march in NYC this fall."

University of Massachusetts Minuteman Marching Band

"Under the leadership of director Timothy Todd Anderson, associate director & percussion instructor Ian G. Hale, and assistant director & visual coordinator Christine Sirard, the “Power and Class” has grown into one of the nation’s most outstanding band programs. The UMMB wows audiences with its large & powerful wind section, stunning visuals, and esteemed drumline. In the past, the UMMB has performed at three Presidential Inauguration Ceremonies, five Bands of America Nationals, and the 2013 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®. The UMMB is excited to return to the Macy’s Parade this fall, bringing their energy, excellence, and enthusiasm to the streets of NYC."

To find out more information about the eleven marching programs participating in this year's Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, click here!