The 100th anniversary edition of the Temple University marching band is ready to head to New York City for an appearance on the “TODAY Show” and then march in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday morning.
NBC10 stopped by the band’s last practices before heading to the Big Apple.
“I’m very excited,” said Josephine Gil, a flutist. “I’m kind of nervous, because there will be so many cameras. But I’m really excited because I love everyone I’m doing this with.”
Temple was one of many bands that applied for a chance to be in the nationally televised parade, but they got the call.
This year will be the first time that Temple’s marching band is in the parade.
“Never something I ever thought I’d do with color guard,” said Amelia Payne. “I’m so excited.”
The band has a couple hundred members, and most of them say they grew up watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade every year.
“Being in the moment, and our crowd interactions, that’s gonna be a lot of fun.”
The songs the band will play are being kept a secret, but NBC10’s Tim Furlong has been told that they will play Christmas songs, as well as songs that are specific to Philly.
Matt Brunner, temple U Director of athletic bands
“Honestly, I don’t feel pressure, I feel excitement,” said Matt Brunner, the director of athletic bands at Temple University. “The students are looking forward to this. We’ve been looking forward to this for quite some time, and it’s here, and we are ready to go.”
To watch Temple march in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, you can watch the whole event on NBC10, as well as stream it on Peacock.