The ETSU Marching Bucs were in for the surprise of their life, not knowing that the recognition they were set to receive from the university was a much bigger deal than many people knew.

What was described in the weekly student email as a “special presentation,” was actually an announcement to inform the band of their selection to participate in the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. 

Dr. Joe Moore, the director of athletic bands, has secretly been working with Macy’s Parade and ETSU officials to provide the best surprise experience possible. ETSU was selected out of hundreds of nationwide applications to be one of the ten marching bands to perform next year in the parade; they were one of three collegiate or university marching bands to be selected. A Tennessee college or university band has not been represented in the parade in over 50 years.

“We look for the bands that really stand out,” said Wesley Whatley, creative producer for Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. “East Tennessee State University has a really unique vibe. They bring that sort of high school level creative energy. It’s not just about football, it’s about making a creative statement.”

During the presentation, Whatley also presented Moore and the ETSU Marching Bucs with a $10,000 check to kick off their fundraising efforts and prepare for the event.

“Me and my family grew up watching the Macy’s Day Parade,” shared Jordan Austin, who will be entering his third year as a sousaphone player for the ETSU Marching Bucs in the fall. “As a little band geek, I always like, ‘Man, I wonder what it takes to do that?’ And now I get to call my mom and tell her, ‘Hey mom, I’m going to be in that parade.”

The Marching Bucs has seen exponential growth, breaking the record of the largest band in school history two years in a row. This academic year, the band has reached almost 300 members. 

“Thanksgiving is designated for gratitude and for family, and I can’t think of a better way to spend that next Thanksgiving than with my Marching Bucs family in New York City,” concluded Moore.

Author