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MIHS Marching Band in 2023 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

2023-24 MIHS Marching Band

2023-24 MIHS Marching Band

Marching Band to perform in 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Logo

MERCER ISLAND, WA – April 1, 2022 – Today, the Mercer Island High School Marching Band, was selected to perform in the 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®, representing the state of Washington. This will mark the first Parade appearance by the band. The Mercer Island Marching Band will join the Parade to the call of “Let’s Have a Parade,” the iconic phrase that has signaled the start of every Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade since 1924.

Macy's Parade Announcement

Each year, the Macy’s Parade Band Committee looks for bands that have the stage presence, musical and marching abilities to captivate millions of live spectators and viewers nationwide. The Mercer Island High School Marching Band was selected from more than 100 applicants as one of ten selected bands to march in the 97th edition of the annual holiday spectacle. The band will join the revelry along with other iconic Macy’s staples: floats, giant character balloons, clowns and superstar performers galore on Thanksgiving Day 2023, helping to create an unforgettable experience for millions.

Macy's Check Presentation

“The Mercer Island High School Marching Band has delivered crowd-pleasing, entertaining performances for more than 30 years, quickly becoming one of the premier high school music programs in the Pacific Northwest,” said Wesley Whatley, Macy’s creative producer. “The Macy’s Band Selection Committee is incredibly proud to welcome the Islanders to New York for their debut in the 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade!”

A Macy's check is held up by the GM of Macy's Bellevue

"The Macy’s Parade is, for high school band program, nothing short of a bucket list experience," said Parker Bixby and Kyle Thompson, Mercer Island High School Marching Band co-Directors. "Macy's represents the ultimate opportunity for students, staff, and community to come together in pursuit of a once in a lifetime performance experience in front of the nation. The Islander Marching Band - The Pride of the Island could not be more proud to represent our community in the 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade."

MIHS Marching Band Directors Parker Bixby, Kyle Thompson, and Jacob Krieger

As part of the announcement, the Macy’s team presented Mercer Island High School Marching Band with a $10,000 fundraising kick off. The band will spend the next 18 months planning for their Parade appearance through rehearsals and creative fundraising events. 

For more than ninety years, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has given thanks to what Macy’s values most –- its loyal fans. Thousands of Macy’s colleagues and dedicated volunteers work tirelessly to create a spectacular event that entertains the cheerful crowds and provides joy to millions at home watching on Thanksgiving Day.  Stretching down a more than two-mile-long route in New York City, the spectacle is alive with gleaming color, music and smiles.

About the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade:
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a national icon that has grown into a world-famous holiday event. For more than 90 years, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has marked the official start of the holiday season. Growing in size and scale, the Parade features Macy’s signature giant character balloons, fabulous floats, incredible marching bands, celebrities, clowns, dance and performance groups, and the one and only Santa Claus, spreading holiday cheer. For more information on the Macy’s Parade, please visit www.macys.com/parade.

About the MIHS Band Program
Made up of almost 300 members, the Mercer Island Band program is the largest student organization at Mercer Island High School. Known as The Pride of the Island, The MIHS Marching Band is a non-competitive, entertainment focused ensemble that performs regularly for local, national and international events. Most recently The Pride of the Island performed with Macklemore as part of the 2022 Seahawks NFL home opener. In addition, the band is a four time participant in the Tournament of Roses Parade, has been mentioned on the floor of Congress as a program of distinction, and has performed as far abroad as China and Australia.  Mercer Island high School has twice been selected as a Grammy Signature School and the city of Mercer Island is a two time recipient of NAMM’s “Best Communities for Music Education” designation. Led by directors Parker Bixby, Kyle Thompson, and Jacob Krieger the MIHS band is proud to represent the Pacific Northwest in the 97th Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade.

Media Coverage of Macy's Thanksgiving Parade Participation

About MIHS Marching Band

The Mercer Island Marching Band is proudly no-cut, non-competitive and strives for excellence resulting in international awards and performance opportunities. Close to 300 strong, one-in-four high school students takes part.

Marching Band Boosters Website

Over 700 students district-wide participate in the grade 5-12 band program.

Mercer Island Bands Website

Media Contacts

Ian Henry
MISD
Communications Coordinator
ian.henry@mercerislandschools.org

Christine Olver Nealon
Macy's 
Director, External Communications
Christine.Olver.Nealon@macys.com

Ryan Gannon
Macy's
Associate, External Communications 
ryan.gannon@macys.com