New York City Welcomes ETSU Marching Buccaneers to Thanksgiving Celebration
New York City was buzzing with excitement as the East Tennessee State University Marching Buccaneers took center stage in the heart of the Big Apple during the much-anticipated 98th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. This iconic event, which draws millions of spectators and television viewers, offered a spectacular platform for the Buccaneers to showcase their talent and spirit.
Marching Through the Streets of Manhattan
At precisely 9:47 a.m. on November 28th, the energetic sound of the ETSU Marching Bucs resonated through Herald Square, marking a triumphant arrival after marching a impressive 2.5 miles through the bustling streets lined with eager fans. As the band made their way, they turned heads with their vibrant procession, proudly displaying their “Tennessee” and “Marching Buccaneers” banners under the dazzling autumn sun.
Performance Highlights
The moment was made even more memorable as NBC hosts Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb introduced the Marching Buccaneers to the national audience. They acknowledged the hard work and leadership of the Director of Athletic Bands Joe Moore and Assistant Director Timothy Loman, proudly representing Johnson City, Tennessee, on this grand stage.
The band delivered a show-stopping rendition of “Happy Together.” With more than 360 members in tow, they energized the crowd with their enthusiastic performance. Accompanied by a colorful color guard and a giant “Happy Thanksgiving” banner, the Buccaneers truly brought the parade to life. Following their stellar display, the band gracefully transitioned into one of their beloved procession pieces, “Over the River and Through the Woods.”
A Surprise Encounter with Jimmy Fallon
But that wasn’t the end of their exciting New York adventure! By sheer chance, viewers were treated to a sneak peek of the Marching Buccaneers an hour before their Herald Square performance, as they appeared behind “The Tonight Show” host Jimmy Fallon. The band energetically kicked off as they marched behind him playing the lively tune of “Jump in the Line.” Fallon joyfully jumped in, singing along, adding an extra layer of fun to the festive atmosphere.
A Journey of Hard Work and Dedication
It’s hard to believe that this vibrant band and their nationally televised performance almost didn’t happen. Just a decade earlier, the band had been disbanded alongside the university’s football program back in 2003. That all changed in 2014 when Joe Moore was brought on board to revive the band, beginning with a remarkable 168 members in his first year. Fast forward to today, and the band has nearly doubled in size.
In 2019, Moore started applying for a chance to be a part of the Macy’s parade. Fast forward to March 2023, and he received a surprise meeting with Macy’s representatives, who revealed that ETSU had officially been selected for the parade. With just a month to prepare, the band dedicated countless hours honing their performance, culminating in an unforgettable display watched by millions.
Looking Forward with Pride
The hard work and practice certainly paid off as the Marching Buccaneers took their place in the annals of parade history. With their spirits high and emotions running deep, the ETSU Marching Bucs brought a little bit of Tennessee pride to the storied streets of New York City this Thanksgiving.
As celebrations continue and the band rides the wave of this achievement, they serve as a shining example of resilience, teamwork, and the joy of music—something that truly resonates with everyone, no matter where they are.
