UMass Amherst’s Minuteman Marching Band to Perform in the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Today, the Minuteman Marching Band of the University of Massachusetts Amherst was selected to perform in the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, representing the state of Massachusetts. The announcement was made during halftime of the UMass vs. Toledo football game in Amherst.

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The band previously appeared in the 2013 parade. The Minuteman Marching Band will join the parade to the call of “Let’s Have a Parade,” the iconic phrase that has signaled the start of every Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade since 1924.

Each year, the Macy’s Parade Band Committee looks for bands that have the stage presence, musical and marching abilities to captivate millions of live spectators and viewers nationwide. The Minuteman Marching Band was selected from more than 100 applicants as one of 10 selected bands to march in the 98th edition of the annual holiday spectacle. The band will join the revelry along with other iconic Macy’s staples: floats, giant character balloons, clowns and superstar performers galore on Thanksgiving Day 2024, helping to create an unforgettable experience for millions.

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“For me, and thousands of other young student musicians who participated in his drum major academy, George Parks’ legacy at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a gold standard in the marching arts. I’m thrilled to see that legacy live on today in the fine entertainment and marching excellence produced by Dr. Tim Anderson,” said Wesley Whatley, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade creative producer. “On behalf of myself and the Macy’s Parade Band Committee, I’m proud to welcome The Minuteman Marching Band back to New York City for the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade!”

“The Minuteman Marching Band is honored to be invited back to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade,” said Anderson, director of the Minuteman Marching Band. “We last performed in this event in 2013, and it was a true highlight for everyone in our organization. We can’t wait to share what our university and state are all about with a worldwide audience come Thanksgiving Day 2024!”

 

The @UMassBand will be performing in the 2024 @Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade!

Javier Reyes, @UMassChancellor, Tim Anderson, Band Director, presented a check for $10,000 to help the band kick off fundraising for this well-deserved honor.

Congratulations to all! ? #MacysParade pic.twitter.com/JOaxZsYbtw

— UMass Amherst (@UMassAmherst) October 7, 2023

As part of the announcement, the Macy’s team presented the Minuteman Marching Band with a $10,000 fundraising kick off. The band will spend the next 18 months planning for their Parade appearance through rehearsals and creative fundraising events to prepare the students for the march of a lifetime.

For nearly 100 years, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has given thanks to what Macy’s values most –- its loyal fans. Thousands of Macy’s colleagues 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. Stretching down a more than two-mile-long route in New York City, the spectacle is alive with gleaming color, music and smiles.
 

About the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a national icon that has grown into a world-famous holiday event. For nearly 100 years, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has marked the official start of the holiday season. Growing in size and scale, the Parade features Macy’s signature giant character balloons, fabulous floats, incredible marching bands, celebrities, clowns, dance and performance groups, and the one and only Santa Claus, spreading holiday cheer. For more information on the Macy’s Parade, please visit www.macys.com/parade.