Miami's marching band to lead Santa float in Macy's Parade

Miami University's marching band lands the coveted spot in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Thursday, Nov. 24, leading Santa Claus' float. Miami's 257-member band will play "Santa Claus is Coming to Town."

Miami’s marching band was selected as one of 10 bands in the nation to participate in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on its 85th anniversary.
The band was chosen from a pool of more than 150 applicants based on their superior musical ability, marching technique and performance skills. This is the second time Miami has appeared in the parade; the first was in 2003.

“For generations the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has been one of the most iconic events and a magical start of the holiday season. We are extremely proud and honored to return to New York not only to be in the parade, but to once again usher in Santa Claus, said Stephen Lytle, director of the band. “The band is working very hard not only to represent Miami on a national stage but to keep up our support of Miami athletics and the Oxford community.”

They will join the line-up of performers, Macy’s employees, floats and giant helium character balloons in the iconic holiday celebration beginning at 9 a.m. on NBC. During the two-mile march, the band will alternate in performing the Miami University fight song; “Fire” by Jimi Hendrix; and “Ain’t Nothing Wrong With That” by Robert Maynard.

“We are thrilled Miami University Marching Band will be joining the Macy’s Parade family,” said Wesley Whatley, associate creative director of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. “They have shown us that they know how to please a crowd and create excitement. We are sure that they will be a hit with millions of parade spectators.”

Each year, 3.5 million spectators line the streets of Manhattan and 50 million viewers tune in to watch the parade. Miami’s marching band members will march the two-mile parade route with more than 8,000 parade participants.