NEW YORK, NY & PARKLAND, FL – APRIL 18 – Today, The Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Marching Band (Eagle Regiment), was selected to perform in the 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®, representing the state of Florida. This will mark the first Parade appearance by the band. The Eagle Regiment 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 talents and marching abilities to captivate millions of live spectators and viewers nationwide. The Eagle Regiment was selected from more than 100 applicants as one of ten selected bands to march in the 97th 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 2023, helping to create an unforgettable experience for millions.
“The Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Eagle Regiment exemplifies elegance, poise and musicianship on the marching field, setting them apart as one of the very finest bands in the state of Florida,” said Wesley Whatley, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade creative producer. “We look forward to hosting these talented students on our national stage as they march for the first time through the streets of New York City on Thanksgiving morning in the 2023 Macy’s Parade!”
“Like millions of Americans, I grew up watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade as an annual family tradition,” said Steve Rivero, band director, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High. “I could not think of a greater honor for a marching band and am thrilled that the deserving students of the Eagle Regiment will have this experience. We cannot wait to show the world the wonderfully talented students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High!”
“This is an outstanding opportunity for our students, and we are very proud of them for achieving this honor,” said Broward County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Vickie L. Cartwright. “I began my career in education teaching band, so I am deeply aware of how much commitment, practice and love of music it takes to perform at this level. I congratulate the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Eagle Regiment and look forward to watching them in the 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.”
As part of the announcement, the Macy’s team presented Eagle Regiment with a $10,000 fundraising kickoff. The band will spend the next 18 months planning for their Parade appearance through rehearsals and creative fundraising events.
For more than ninety 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 more than 90 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.