North Texas High School Marching Band to Perform in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
This Thanksgiving, a North Texas high school marching band won’t be home to gobble down turkey. It’s headed to the Big Apple, where its members are set to smack drums, blare trombones and strut down streets.
The Blue Raider Band, from L.D. Bell High School in the Hurst-Euless-Bedford Independent School District, will perform during Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, which draws millions of viewers. The band is made up of about 300 teen musicians.
About the Blue Raider Band
“We’re making some memories that are going to last a lifetime. We just can’t wait to put our best foot forward in New York and represent our community,” said Suzanne Dell, director of bands at L.D. Bell High School.
The Blue Raider Band has been practicing two tunes for the procession down the streets: the 1941 state classic “Deep in the Heart of Texas” and the pop hit “Houdini” by Dua Lipa.
Performance Details
The band will have a televised performance in front of the Macy’s store. Which tune will they play? Dell’s lips are sealed, she said with a laugh.
The Blue Raider Band will play alongside 10 other marching bands, hailing from around the country and Panama. L.D. Bell High School is the only marching band to represent the Lone Star State this year. The Flower Mound High School marching band performed in the parade last year.
Band History and Achievements
The Blue Raider Band, started in 1957, “provides students a sense of community and a place to belong here,” according to its website. The band is raising money for its trip to New York City.
The band has won the Texas UIL State Marching Contest several times and was named the 2007 Bands of America Grand National Champion.
“The band has had a phenomenal reputation for many, many, many years. We’ve just been trying to continue that tradition of excellence,” Dell said.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is something entirely new, Dell said. “It’s a cool thing to get to add to the legacy of the program,” she said.
The 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will feature big-name musicians such as rapper Busta Rhymes and singer Calum Scott. Also, 34 balloons — such as Buzz Lightyear and Dora — and a stream of 29 colorful floats will make their way down the 2.5-mile route. The parade will end at Macy’s Herald Square flagship store.
The retail supergiant’s parade started in 1924 and has garnered a passionate viewership. More than 3.5 million people in New York City will watch the parade, while more than 50 million people will stream the event, according to Macy’s. The show will air at 8:30 a.m. in all time zones on NBC and Peacock.
Education Lab
The DMN Education Lab deepens the coverage and conversation about urgent education issues critical to the future of North Texas.
The DMN Education Lab is a community-funded journalism initiative, with support from Bobby and Lottye Lyle, Communities Foundation of Texas, The Dallas Foundation, Dallas Regional Chamber, Deedie Rose, Garrett and Cecilia Boone, Judy and Jim Gibbs, The Meadows Foundation, The Murrell Foundation, Ron and Phyllis Steinhart, Solutions Journalism Network, Southern Methodist University, Sydney Smith Hicks, and the University of Texas at Dallas. The Dallas Morning News retains full editorial control of the Education Lab’s journalism.
Conclusion
The Blue Raider Band’s performance in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a testament to the band’s hard work and dedication. With their rich history and achievements, they are sure to make a lasting impression on the millions of viewers watching the parade.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the name of the high school marching band performing in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?
A: The Blue Raider Band from L.D. Bell High School in the Hurst-Euless-Bedford Independent School District.
Q: How many musicians are in the Blue Raider Band?
A: The band is made up of about 300 teen musicians.
Q: What tunes is the Blue Raider Band practicing for the parade?
A: The band is practicing the 1941 state classic “Deep in the Heart of Texas” and the pop hit “Houdini” by Dua Lipa.
Q: How can I watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?
A: The parade will air at 8:30 a.m. in all time zones on NBC and Peacock.
