MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Representing West Virginia University and the Mountain State, the Mountaineer Marching Band will participate in the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, marking the second appearance for the band in the historic parade.
Macy’s Parade officials were in Morgantown, West Virginia, on September 16 to surprise band members with the news of their selection before the WVU football game. A public announcement was made during halftime at Milan Puskar Stadium. See the video from the announcement.
The WVU Marching Band, “The Pride of West Virginia,” based at the College of Creative Arts, is one of ten marching bands selected for the annual event out of hundreds of nationwide applications.
Cheldon Williams, associate director of bands and director of athletic bands, said the band will prepare in earnest for the event in the coming months.
“The students are thrilled to represent the region, the state of West Virginia, and our university on this major national stage,” Williams said. “I look forward to our continual growth as musicians and human beings over the next year so we can bring our best to the vibrant streets of New York City.”
Wesley Whatley, creative producer for the parade, celebrated the announcement by recalling the institution's integrity.
“For more than 100 years, the Mountaineer Marching Band has entertained audiences, from hometown halftime shows to parade routes and venues across the country, representing their state with pageantry and style,” Whatley said.
“The Macy’s Parade Band Committee is proud to welcome back the talented students of West Virginia University to the Big Apple to march in the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.”
The band will spend the next 14 months planning for its appearance, which is a return trip. As part of this achievement, the Macy’s team presented the band with a $10,000 fundraising kickoff.
Scott Tobias, associate professor and director of bands, said it was an exciting time for band members.
“Participating in the 2016 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade was a tremendous experience for our students,” Tobias said.
“I’m excited our current students will have the opportunity to have a similar experience next year as part of the 2024 parade. We all look forward to returning to New York City with The Pride of West Virginia to represent the school of music, the university, and the entire state of West Virginia on one of the grandest stages for marching bands.”
A record $172,842 was donated to the Pride Travel Fund by 1,282 donors in 2016 to help the Mountaineer Marching Band travel to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
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