New York - Miami University's marching band landed the coveted spot in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Nov. 24, leading Santa Claus' float. Miami's 257-member band played "Santa Claus is Coming to Town."

Miami’s marching band was selected as one of ten bands in the nation to participate in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on its 85th anniversary.

The band was chosen from a pool of more than 150 applicants based on its superior musical ability, marching technique and performance skills. This is the second time Miami has appeared in the parade; the first was in 2003.

“For generations the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has been one of the most iconic events and a magical start of the holiday season. We are extremely proud and honored to return to New York not only to be in the parade, but to once again usher in Santa Claus, said band director Stephen Lytle, before the performance. “The band is working very hard not only to represent Miami on a national stage but to keep up our support of Miami athletics and the Oxford community.”

The band joined the line-up of performers, Macy’s employees, floats and giant helium character balloons in the iconic holiday celebration. During the two-mile march, the band alternately performed the Miami University fight song; “Fire” by Jimi Hendrix; and “Ain’t Nothing Wrong With That” by Robert Maynard.

“We are thrilled Miami University Marching Band will be joining the Macy’s Parade family,” said Wesley Whatley, associate creative director of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, upon announcing Miami’s selection. “They have shown us that they know how to please a crowd and create excitement. We are sure that they will be a hit with millions of parade spectators.”

New this year was a mobile app that allowed spectators to follow the parade’s progress, including traffic cameras that allowed for real time parade viewing, and a parade participant tracker that allowed spectators to follow 14 various dance troupes, marching bands and Santa’s float.

Each year, 3.5 million spectators line the streets of Manhattan and 50 million viewers tune in to watch the parade with more than 8,000 participants.

This story was provided by the Miami University News & Public Information Office