Start spreadin’ the news… The West Virginia University Mountaineer Marching Band will participate in the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
The appearance will mark the second time The Pride of West Virginia has marched in the iconic parade. The band last performed in the 2016 parade.
Macy’s Parade officials were in Morgantown on Sept. 16, 2023, to surprise band members with the news ahead of the school’s football game against rival Pitt.
The news was shared publicly at halftime of the game that ultimately saw the Mountaineers defeat Pitt.
The WVU Marching Band is one of 10 marching bands selected for the annual event. Hundreds of bands from across the country apply each year.
“The students are thrilled to represent the region, the state of West Virginia and our university on this major national stage,” Cheldon Williams, associate director of bands and director of athletic bands, said in a statement. “I look forward to our continual growth as musicians and human beings over the next year so we can bring our best to the vibrant streets of New York City.”
The band spent the last nearly 14 months planning for its appearance.
The Macy’s Parade team presented the band with a $10,000 fundraising kickoff.
“For more than 100 years, the Mountaineer Marching Band has entertained audiences, from hometown halftime shows to parade routes and venues across the country, representing their state with pageantry and style,” Wesley Whatley, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade creative producer, said in a statement. “The Macy’s Parade Band Committee is proud to welcome back the talented students of West Virginia University to the Big Apple to march in the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.”
WVU said a record $172,842 was donated to the band’s travel funds by 1,282 donors in 2016 to help the band travel to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
The band will be seeking donations to get back to Herald Square.
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