Exciting Times for East Tennessee: Marching Buccaneers Shine in the Big Apple!
This year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City was extra special, especially for the East Tennessee State University Marching Buccaneers. If you happened to be watching the festivities on November 28, your eyes likely caught a glimpse of this spectacular band as they strutted their stuff in front of millions of viewers nationwide!
A March to Remember
Bright and early at 9:47 a.m., the ETSU Marching Bucs made their grand arrival at Herald Square after completing an impressive 2 ½ mile march through the bustling streets of New York. Can you imagine the excitement? The band was introduced by NBC hosts Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb, who highlighted the leadership of Joe Moore, the Director of Athletic Bands, and Timothy Loman, the Assistant Director. They made sure to mention that this legendary band hailed from Johnson City, Tennessee.
A Performance Like No Other
Once at Herald Square, the Marching Bucs presented a rousing rendition of the classic tune “Happy Together.” The performance was a true spectacle, complete with a colorful color guard and a giant “Happy Thanksgiving” banner that added a delightful touch to the occasion. With a whopping 360 members in the band, the sight and sound were truly unforgettable. Following their stellar performance, they transitioned smoothly into the procession, playing “Over the River and Through the Woods” while walking alongside The Temptations, who rode on the iconic Wonder Bread float.
Spotting the Buccaneers
If you were watching closely, you may have caught a glimpse of the Marching Bucs an hour earlier as they paraded behind “The Tonight Show” host Jimmy Fallon. Beginning their march to the lively rhythm of “Jump in the Line,” they quickly caught Fallon’s attention. In a moment of pure fun, he sang along with the band, joining in the chant of “shake, shake, shake, Señora.” It was a lively little interaction that surely brought smiles to everyone tuning in!
The Journey to the Parade
It’s important to reflect on how far the ETSU Marching Buccaneers have come. Just a decade ago, the band’s performance at such a prestigious event would have seemed like a distant dream. When Joe Moore was brought in back in 2014 to reboot the band, they had to work hard to overcome some serious challenges. The band had been discontinued along with the football program in 2003.
Moore managed to start with an impressive number of 168 band members in their first year back, a figure that almost broke the school record! Fast forward to today, and the band is now 360 members strong, proving that the hard work and dedication of all involved truly pays off.
Preparation for the Big Day
As the excitement built up for the parade, Moore set his sights on a new dream: performing in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. He first started applying for the opportunity in 2019, and after countless preparations and anticipation, he received the news in March 2023 that they had been selected! What a thrilling moment that must have been!
After revealing the fantastic news to the band a month later, they rolled up their sleeves and got busy preparing for what would become an unforgettable day in New York City. All the hard work, practice, and enthusiasm undoubtedly shined through, as they delivered a performance that captivated millions on one of the country’s biggest stages.
Celebrating a Wonderful Achievement
With their incredible debut in such a significant event, the East Tennessee State University Marching Buccaneers have plenty to celebrate. This experience not only highlights the talent of these young musicians but also puts a spotlight on the vibrant spirit of Johnson City and East Tennessee. Cheers to the Marching Bucs for making their mark on the Big Apple!
