Avon, Indiana – Officials revealed on Monday that the marching band from Avon High School will represent Indiana in the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
The Avon Marching Black & Gold will be participating in the renowned parade for the first time. According to officials, they were chosen as one of 10 bands to march in the 98th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade out of more than 100 applicants.
“The Avon Marching Black and Gold consistently sets a national standard of excellence, constantly raising the bar and winning awards and honors across all marching arts as one of the premier band programs in America,” said Wesley Whatley, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade creative producer.
According to a press statement from the organizers, the Avon Marching Black & Gold will enter the parade to the call of “Let’s Have a Parade,” which has marked the beginning of each Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade since 1924.
“Our students are honored to have the opportunity to perform in the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade,” said Kevin Welborn, director of the Avon Marching Black & Gold. “This parade gives band students the opportunity to perform in New York City and have that performance shown to millions of people across the country. This experience will be one that Avon High School’s band students will treasure for the rest of their lives.”
The Macy’s group gave a $10,000 fundraising start-up to the Avon Marching Black & Gold. The band will practice and plan innovative fundraising events over the next 18 months in order to get ready for their debut in the parade, according to officials.