Towson University marching band to perform at Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

The Towson University marching band beat out hundreds of applicants nationwide to earn a spot performing at next year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

The university’s marching band learned they were chosen following the band’s homecoming performance on Saturday afternoon, during Towson’s football game against Hampton University.

“This is an extraordinary achievement for our students, directors and the entire Towson University community,” said Mark Ginsberg, the university’s president, in a statement. “Being selected for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is recognition of years of hard work, artistic excellence and dedication.”

The last time the university’s marching band performed at the world-famous parade was 2009. Each year, Macy’s selects only a small number of marching bands from across the country to participate in the nationally televised event.

Last year’s Macy’s parade delivered 34.3 million viewers across NBC and Peacock, its biggest combined audience on record, according to a release from NBC Universal. More than 3.5 million spectators watch in person in New York City, as well.

About 225 students make up Towson’s marching band, which performs at football games, regional events and national competitions. Participating students do not have to be music majors, and all receive between a $500-$1,000 scholarship for participation in the fall semester.

“This opportunity is the culmination of years of dedication from our students, staff and marching band community,” said Taylor Yozwiak, director of athletic bands, in a statement. “To be invited back to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is an incredible honor and a testament to the passion and talent of our band members.”

The university’s marching band will begin preparations immediately, according to Yozwiak. Participation requires extensive planning, travel and fundraising to support student transportation, lodging, meals and equipment costs. The marching band is seeking donations, which can be made to the university here.

“We are excited to represent Towson University and share our unique performance style with audiences across the country,” said Yozwiak.

Previously, the university’s marching band has performed at the 2018 and 2022 Veterans Day Parade in New York City, at the 2024 grand opening of the Under Armour Global Headquarters in Baltimore and alongside Norwegian DJ Kygo at Merriweather Post Pavilion.

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