Hampton University’s marching band performing in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Hampton University’s marching band is set to perform in front of millions of people at the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.
The band, known as Marching Force, was supposed to be one of nine marching bands and one of two universities in the 2020 parade, but last year’s event had to be downsized with its number of participants reduced by 75% because of the pandemic.
This year will be the first time Marching Force has performed at the parade. The band was selected out of more than 100 applicants.
“Rooted in tradition and with explosive energy, the Hampton University Marching Force delivers outstanding, entertaining shows that time and time again bring the crowd to their feet,” said Wesley Whatley, creative producer of the Macy’s parade. “We look forward to introducing the talented students of Hampton University to our parade audience for the band’s debut in the 2021 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade!”
The parade route is about 2.5 miles. It attracts more than 3.5 million spectators and more than 50 million television viewers across the country, according to a news release from the university.
This year’s 95th annual parade will include more than 8,000 participants, including Macy’s employees and families, celebrities, athletes, clowns and dance groups.
“The Marching Force is an elite group of talented, young musicians and dancers who are academically accomplished,” Hampton University President William R. Harvey said in the news release. “This opportunity will allow Hampton University to once again shine on the worldwide stage in front of the millions in attendance and others watching from across the globe.”
The band received a $100,000 donation from the Pepsi Stronger Together program. The donation will cover the cost of transportation to and from New York City and practice uniforms for the band.
The Marching Force has previously performed in the 2020 Rome New Year’s Day Parade in Rome, Italy. The band’s drumline performed in the 2019 Tournament of Roses Parade before the Rose Bowl. The band also performed in President Barack Obama’s Inauguration Parade in 2009.
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will be broadcast from 9 a.m. to noon Thanksgiving Day on NBC and Telemundo.
Jessica Nolte, 757-912-1675, jnolte@dailypress.com
