MASON, Ohio (WKRC) — The William Mason High School Marching Band will perform on one of the nation’s most recognizable stages after receiving an invitation to the 2027 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.

Students and parents learned the news Friday after rehearsal. The band is scheduled to march in the parade’s 101st edition on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 25, 2027. The selection marks the program’s first appearance in the Macy’s parade.

The Mason High School Marching Band will be heading to New York to march in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2027. Students and parents were treated to a surprise announcement after rehearsal on Friday. (WKRC)

Band Director Jason Sleppy said the trip will give students a rare opportunity to showcase their work before a national audience. The marching band previously traveled to California for the Rose Parade four years ago.

“When you’re trying to craft experiences for high school students,” Sleppy said, “giving them something that is unique and different on the national stage is awesome.”

Junior Teagan Stills said word of a potential New York trip had begun circulating before the official announcement, but many students remained doubtful it would happen.

“I know the parents on the band board kind of told their kids, and kids kind of told everyone else,” Stills said. “It was rumors spreading around, but at the same time, everyone was like, ‘Oh no, it’s not going to happen.’”

Sleppy said he wants students to approach the opportunity with the same focus they would bring to a championship season.

Because Mason Schools’ schedule will allow it, the band plans to spend a full week in New York. Junior Sam Robiglio said he is already looking forward to sharing the experience with friends.

“Just being able to march down the streets and play drums with my friends,” Robiglio said, “I think it’s going to be one of the greatest experiences of my entire childhood.”

Junior Joseph Li said the chance to see New York during the holiday season makes the trip even more memorable. “New York in the winter season is just going to be amazing,” he said.