Avon Marching Black & Gold to Perform in the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Writer / Kevin Carr
Photography Provided
The Avon Marching Black & Gold was selected to perform in the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, representing Indiana. This will mark the first parade appearance by the band. The Black & Gold will join the parade to the call of “Let’s Have a Parade,” the iconic phrase that has signaled the start of every Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade since 1924.
Each year the Macy’s Parade band committee looks for bands that have the stage presence and musical and marching abilities to captivate millions of live spectators and viewers nationwide. The Black & Gold were selected from more than 100 applicants as one of 10 selected bands to march in the 98th edition of the annual holiday spectacle. The band will join the revelry along with other iconic Macy’s staples like floats, giant character balloons, clowns and superstar performers galore on Thanksgiving in 2024, helping to create an unforgettable experience for millions.
“The Avon Marching Black and Gold consistently sets a national standard of excellence, constantly raising the bar and winning awards and honors across all marching arts as one of the premier band programs in America,” says Wesley Whatley, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade creative producer. “On behalf of the Macy’s band selection committee, I am proud to welcome the talented students of Avon High School to showcase their talent on a national stage at the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.”
“Our students are honored to have the opportunity to perform in the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade,” says Kevin Welborn, director of the Avon Marching Black & Gold. “This parade gives band students the opportunity to perform in New York City and have that performance shown to millions of people across the country. This experience will be one that Avon High School’s band students will treasure for the rest of their lives.”
As part of the announcement, the Macy’s team presented the Avon Marching Black & Gold with a $10,000 fundraising kickoff. The band will spend the next 18 months planning for their parade appearance through rehearsals and creative fundraising events. These will not only bring the school and the community closer, but also prepare the students for the march of a lifetime.
For nearly 100 years, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has given thanks to what Macy’s values most – its loyal fans. Thousands of Macy’s colleagues and dedicated volunteers work tirelessly to create a spectacular event that entertains the cheerful crowds and provides joy to millions at home watching on Thanksgiving Day. Stretching down a two-mile-plus route in New York City, the spectacle is alive with gleaming color, music and smiles.
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a national, iconic event that has grown into a world-famous holiday experience. For nearly 100 years, it has marked the official start of the holiday season. Growing in size and scale, it features Macy’s signature giant character balloons, fabulous floats, incredible marching bands, celebrities, clowns, dance and performance groups, and the one and only Santa Claus, spreading holiday cheer.
Committed to excellence in all they do, the Avon Marching Black & Gold provides life-changing and world-class experiences for all students at Avon High School. Avon Bands have amassed well over 50 Indiana state championships, to go along with a growing number of Bands of America and WGI world championships. The Avon Marching Black & Gold performs and competes at the highest level available in Indiana and across the United States. The band program gives all students a safe place to express
their music and be their best through participation in multiple ensembles. Visit ahs.avon-schools.org/performing-arts to learn more.
