Wesley Whatley, creative director of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
presents the U.S. Military Academy at West Point Band Commander, Lt. Col. Andrew Esch with a ceremonial drumhead Oct. 17, to mark the band's acceptance to march in the 2016 Macy'...
WEST POINT, N.Y. (October 20, 2015) -- The U.S. Military Academy at West Point Band was selected to perform in the 2016 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Oct. 17.
This marks the second parade appearance by the band, having last appeared in 1981. Once "Let's Have a Parade," the iconic phrase that has signaled the start of every Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade since 1924 is exclaimed, the West Point Band will join the 90th anniversary celebration of the parade.
Each year the Macy's Parade Band Committee looks for bands that have the stage presence, musical and marching abilities to captivate more than 3.5 million live spectators and more than 50 million viewers.
The West Point Band was selected from 175 applicants, as one of 10 bands to march in the 2016 edition of the annual holiday spectacle. The West Point Band will join the revelry along with other iconic Macy's staples: floats, giant character balloons, clowns and superstar performers galore on Thanksgiving Day 2016, helping to create an unforgettable experience for millions.
"Our nation's military bands have an important and rich tradition of celebrating patriotic music and inspiring the country. As Americans pause to give thanks on Thanksgiving Day 2016, Macy's will be honored to welcome the Army's oldest musical organization, the West Point Band, to join the celebration as part of the 90th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade!" said Wesley Whatley, creative director, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Mr. Whatley presented the band with a ceremonial drumhead at the halftime show of the Army vs. Bucknell football game.
Lt. Col. Andrew Esch, commander of the West Point Band, comments, "Since 1817 the West Point Band has provided world-class music to educate, train, and inspire the Corps of Cadets and to serve as ambassadors of the United States Military Academy to the local, national, and international communities. We feel very privileged for the opportunity to march in the 2016 Macy's Thanksgiving Parade."
Related Links:
U.S. Military Academy at West Point Band website
U.S. Army Garrison West Point website
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