TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — The University of Alabama’s Million Dollar Band will be making its first appearance in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.
The Tuscaloosa News reports that the band is scheduled to play “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” and escort Santa in his parade-ending float, The Tuscaloosa News reported.
The morning parade will air on NBC and its streaming service Peacock.
The Million Dollar Band was one of just two collegiate bands chosen. It will mark the first Macy’s parade appearance for the band, which was founded in 1912.
Parade organizers selected UA from more than 100 applicants, based on sound and appearance, along with biographies and recommendation letters, the Tuscaloosa newspaper reported.
Drill work for the parade began about six weeks ago, with the Macy’s performance grid marked out on Butler Field in Tuscaloosa. The practice space is named for the Million Dollar Band’s 1935 to 1968 director, Col. Carleton K. Butler.
Adapting to city streets and accommodating the grand entrance of Santa Claus took extra work, band officials said. The parade route runs from Central Park to the Macy’s store at 34th Street.
