Photo courtesy of: Ohio UniversityThe Ohio University Marching 110, selected as one of 10 bands to appear in the 2017 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, will perform alongside a growing list of Parade icons next week. The band previously performed in the 2000 (shown here) and 2005 Parades.
One week from today, the Ohio University Marching 110 will be featured on one of the world’s biggest stages when the “Most Exciting Band in the Land” travels to New York City to appear in the 91stMacy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®.
The Marching 110, selected as one of 10 bands to appear in this year’s parade from a list of 175 applicants, will perform alongside a growing list of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade icons, including intricate floats, colossal character balloons, exciting performances and more. The band previously performed in the 2000 and 2005 Parades. Check out the 2000 appearance at https://youtu.be/mrX8EV3mHik.
“I'm extremely honored for the Marching 110 to return to the Macy’s Parade for the third time,” said Dr. Richard Suk, director of the Ohio University Marching 110. “It is one of the premiere performance opportunities for marching bands and I’m thrilled, for not only our current students, but for our alumni and the Ohio University community.”
The opportunity arrives in the midst of a landmark season for the Marching 110, as they’re currently celebrating the 50th anniversary of the band’s “big switch,” in which then-director Gene Thrailkill introduced the hard-driving, high-energy style exuded by all members of today’s internationally-known marching band.
“Everyone who has been a part of this band played a huge role in making the 110 what it is today, and it’s been a blast celebrating our 50th anniversary with current and past members,” said Josh Boyer, assistant director of the Marching 110. “The opportunity to return to New York City and to perform in this year’s Macy’s Parade in the midst of such an important year in our history is truly an honor."
The 110 has many exciting New York City experiences planned during their visit, including viewing various Broadway shows on Tuesday, a live performance on NBC's TODAY show on Wednesday morning and a family-style Thanksgiving dinner cruise around Manhattan on Thursday evening after the Macy’s Parade. Friday will allow for a much deserved “day off” in which students can tour the numerous sights and sounds of New York City.
2017 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade coverage begins at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 23.