A huge perk of being in a high school, college, or community marching band is the travel opportunities. From local street festivals to nationally televised parades, opportunities for marching ensembles to take center stage are numerous. But...

How does a marching band get to march in parades like the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade or the Rose Parade? It's easier than you think!

If you're the director of a marching band and are interested in getting some airtime for your performers, here's a quick rundown of how to (hopefully) be featured in some well-known parades:

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Parade overview:

• "Each fall, The Macy's Parade marks the start of the holiday season with the nation's most beloved spectacle featuring giant helium balloons, floats, specialty performance groups, celebrity performers, the one-and-only Santa Claus and - of course - the nation's best marching bands! Here at Macy's, we are always on the lookout for the most entertaining marching bands, drum and bugle corps, military bands and community bands of all shapes and sizes to entertain the 3 million spectators 'live' on the streets of Manhattan and over 50 million viewers on television." - Macy's.com official site
• The Macy's Thanksgiving Parades takes place in New York City, NY

How to apply to participate:

• Band directors apply to be part of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day by filling out an online application and detailing basic information about the ensemble. Part of that application process also includes submitting an "entire [full field] show so members of the Macy's Band Selection Committee can understand the full range and experience of your performance. Our selection process begins with what you put on the field, so please provide us with the highest quality, most outstanding field show footage you can!"
• Based on the process to be part of the 2024 Macy's Parade, the application will likely open around the start of the new year and close in February. From there, band directors can anticipate getting more information around May as to whether or not their ensemble was selected

Rose Parade Tournament of Roses

Parade overview:

• "Past parades have featured many band types including marching bands, drum and bugle corps, brass and percussion bands, and bagpipes. The Rose Parade has welcomed high schools, colleges and universities, and Military bands. The parade lineup has showcased bands from around the world, including Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, Central America, and the Pacific Islands. Thousands of performers will enjoy the experience of a lifetime when they march down Orange Grove and Colorado Blvd" - Tournament of Roses official site
• The Rose Parade takes place in Pasadena, CA

How to apply to participate:

• Bands are selected based upon a variety of criteria including musicianship, marching ability, uniqueness, entertainment value or special interest. In addition, bands with the ability to perform field show maneuvers while marching forward are encouraged to apply. Bands of any size are welcome to apply. Bands are selected by the Association’s volunteer members based on a variety of criteria including, musicianship, marching ability and entertainment or special interest value.
• The application to participate in the 2025 Rose Parade is currently open and can be found here.

Bob Rogers Travel Thanksgiving Parade of Bands

Parade overview:

• "A mass band event in one of the most sought-after performance destinations in the country, the Thanksgiving Parade of Bands at the Walt Disney World Resort® offers an incredible performance experience for students. Where else can you learn from expert clinicians, collaborate with bands from around the world and perform in The Happiest Place on Earth?"
• The Thanksgiving Parade of Bands takes place at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, FL

How to apply to participate:

• Directors will need to fill out an online application form that details basic information about the ensemble. Additional submission requirements are: an 8x10 photograph of the entire band in uniform, a video of the band in a marching performance, and a band resume that includes information about past competitions and ratings, parades or festivals the ensemble has attended, awards and special honors, and more.
• The application to participate in the 2024 & 2025 Thanksgiving Parade of Bands can be found here.