Kids & Family

Marian Catholic Band to Play NYC Thanksgiving Day Parade

Don't forget to tune into NBC on Thursday to catch Marian on national television.

Marian Catholic High School Band is gearing up to play to an audience of over 50 million on Thanksgiving Day.

The highly celebrated group of 225 students was one of only 12 marching ensembles invited to this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. It’s the second time in the school’s history.

Marian’s assistant band director, Bobby Lambert is calling the event a “once in a lifetime experience” for the young musicians.

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“There is a different kind of energy when you are preparing for a performance at this level,” Lambert said. “The Macy’s Parade is one of the two greatest parades in the United States, making this an experience that cannot be replicated anywhere else. …What a terrific way to present our school to the rest of the world.”

For Student Band President and Marian Senior Ellen Chmura and many other students, this will be their first time in New York City.

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“I think performing for millions of people will be an amazing experience,” Chmura said. “This opportunity will help me grow into the performer I am striving to become.” 

You can tune in to NBC on Thursday, Thanksgiving Day to catch Marian help open the parade with the tune “Let’s Have a Parade”.

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