CGHS Marching Band in 2014 Macy’s Parade

WesleyWhatley
Wesley Whatley, Creative Director of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Macy's-Parade-2014-Band.115Center Grove High School’s Marching Band was surprised Wednesday evening to receive the news that they have been selected to perform in the 2014 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®. The Center Grove High School Marching Band will join the line of march in 2014 and 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.

“The Center Grove High School Band program continues to prove itself over and over as a program committed to excellence both on and off the field. We look forward to having the talented band bring excitement and joy to millions on Thanksgiving morning!” said Wesley Whatley, creative director, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

“The Trojan Marching Band has had a long tradition of excellence at the local, state and national levels. I am so proud of our students and their directors on their selection to march in the 2014 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. This honor is just another recognition of not only their extraordinary musical skills but also their many hours of hard work and commitment throughout the school year,” said Matt Shockley, principal, Center Grove High School.

Superintendent Rich Arkanoff also expressed his thoughts. “We are so proud of the Center Grove Marching Band for their selection to perform in the 2014 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The talents of our students continue to amaze me. I am thrilled that our students and staff will have this opportunity to present their skills at this iconic event. This is such an awesome opportunity!”

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.

The Center Grove High School Marching Band was selected to be one of 10 marching ensembles in the 2014 Parade beating out of more than 175 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 27, 2014.

The Macy’s Parade takes more than a year to plan, with bands chosen over 18 months in advance of 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 have great musical and marching ability, but also the stage presence to captivate a nation. Once these bands are chosen, the Macy’s Parade team hits the road, hoping on Delta flights to surprise band members with news of their selection to perform in the 2014 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

For the next 18 months, the band will prepare for their big performance on Thanksgiving Day. With the support of their state and more importantly, their school community, Center Grove High School Marching Band will march its way into Parade history.

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