“A Comeback Story” (Contributed/ETSU)

As the confetti fell onto the streets of Herald Square and the band reached their final cutoff of their Macy’s performance, many presumed this once-in-a-lifetime moment would end there. 

However, due to the dedicated team chosen by the University Marketing and Communications Department, the story of tradition, perseverance, and community lives on in an award-winning documentary. 

The documentary, available for free on YouTube, takes the audience on a journey to New York, covering the initial announcement in Culp Cave at ETSU to Thanksgiving dinner after the Parade. 

Composed of live videos and photos from the parade, and heartfelt interviews with students and staff, this project truly provides the audience a peek behind the curtain during this incredible experience. 

For Dr. Joe Moore, Director of Athletic Bands and Associate Director of Bands, the decision to document this experience came as naturally as the excitement that came with the invitation to the parade.

“When we got the invitation to Macy’s, I knew it was something that I wanted to document. I knew it was something that I could go back and look at and have the memories,” said Moore. “I was blown away with how artistic and professional the finished product was.”

The documentary went on to receive critical acclaim, earning recognition for its artistry and storytelling, but beyond the awards, it has become a powerful tool for the program. 

“The documentary is something that people who don’t know about our program can see and connect with,” said Moore. “With this and the Creative Arts Scholarship, we’re able to reach more students from out of the region who may not know about us or about the university.”

While the documentary serves as an amazing snapshot of an extraordinary journey, the band continues to march forward, preparing for the upcoming season. 

Their show, entitled “Rhythms of Rio,” is a high-energy celebration of Brazil’s Carnaval filled with bright visuals and selections designed to bring both a challenge for the members and excitement for the audience.

“When we put a show together, we always want to be entertaining,” said Moore. “When the members enjoy it, then the show gets filled with enthusiasm, and then the audience catches their enthusiasm.” 

For Dr. Moore, this year’s show carries more enthusiasm than what’s written on the page.

After missing much of last semester due to medical reasons, this will be his first time to reunite with the Marching Bucs since their last appearance in the Johnson City Christmas Parade. 

As Dr. Moore looks forward to connecting with members new and old, he expresses his continued appreciation to Yasmeen Elayan, Steven May, Preston Cox, Rachel Howard, and Samuel Adenekan, who braved the rain to capture key moments, along with the dedicated staff, donors, ETSU President Brian Nolan, and the administration. 

From a historic performance in New York to a colorful new season ahead, the ETSU Marching Bucs continue to prove that music, community, and storytelling go hand in hand.

Author