Purdue Band to march in 2010 Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade

Friday, May 1, 2009

On Nov. 25, 2010, the Purdue “All-American” Marching Band will become the first Big Ten band to march in the legendary Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.

AAMB Director Jay S. Gephart made the surprise announcement to hundreds of students gathered for the Indianapolis 500 rehearsal and drum major auditions on Friday, May 1, at the band’s drill field.

Obtaining an invitation to march in the parade is extremely competitive, requiring the submission of video and audio tapes, band history and letters of support. It is one of just 10 bands selected to march in the parade and was chosen from a field of 150 applicants.

Gephart’s goal in applying for the 2010 parade was to use it to celebrate of 125 years of bands on campus. The first band formed at Purdue in 1886.

“We are absolutely ecstatic to be chosen. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is considered the most prestigious parade in the nation and we are honored to represent Purdue, the state of Indiana and the Big Ten Conference in this star-studded event,” Gephart says.

“The performance will kick off the 125th Anniversary celebration of Purdue Bands and will showcase Purdue’s “World’s Largest Bass Drum” which turns 89 in 2010.  For me personally, having my band perform in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a dream come true!”

This appearance adds to the list of significant performances and parades – including Rose Bowl and Presidential Inaugural Parades and trips to many foreign countries – that highlight the Purdue band‘s long history.

Gephart plans an expanded bus trip that will allow students to sample Broadway and other New York sites as well as perform in the parade. The band will return to campus in time to inaugurate the new tradition of Thanksgiving weekend football games with Indiana University that begins in 2010 with the Hoosiers visiting Ross-Ade Stadium on Nov. 27, 2010.

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