Pittsburgh students join West Virginia University band in Macy's Parade

On November 28, 2024, some college students from the Pittsburgh area joined the West Virginia University (WVU) marching band in the iconic Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade held in New York City. The band, comprised of around 350 members, traveled approximately 400 miles from their home state of West Virginia to participate in this grand event, celebrating its 98th annual occurrence. The WVU band was honored to be positioned as the last marching band leading Santa Claus along the 5-mile route through Manhattan, an opportunity described as a dream for many band members. Samantha Smith, a student who plays the trumpet, expressed her excitement about the performance, likening it to the Super Bowl for marching bands. She revealed that the experience filled her with a sense of pride not only for the band but also for the state of West Virginia. Bandmate Angelo Buffalini highlighted the anticipation they shared while practicing extensively for several months to ensure their performance would inspire others and showcase their dedication. This year's event marked the WVU marching band’s second appearance in the parade, the first being in 2016. Both Smith and Buffalini took time to enjoy the sights of New York City before their early wake-up call on Thursday to prepare for the grand performance. They felt that being part of such a large and renowned event is a tremendous honor and increases their motivation to perform well. The band's presence in the parade represents an opportunity for the students to display the cultural and musical heritage of West Virginia to a global audience. Students participating in the parade undergo rigorous training and preparation leading up to the event, fostering teamwork and building life-long friendships. As they prepared for their performance, they were not only representing their university and state but also the spirit of joy and celebration typical of Thanksgiving festivities. The excitement surrounding the parade and what it symbolizes for many makes it an event that will leave lasting memories for the students involved.