From the Palmetto State to the Empire State
Start spreadin’ the news.… For the first time in its history, “the musical magic of the Carolina Band” will fill the air in New York City next year when they perform in the Macy’s® Thanksgiving Day Parade.
The band will travel more than 700 miles to entertain spectators lining the streets of Manhattan, online viewers and television audiences. This isn't just an opportunity for members to showcase their skills and love for music, but to proudly represent the University of South Carolina.
This is the first Macy’s performance by the Carolina Band in its rich history, and we owe this incredible achievement to all of the Carolina Band alumni, directors and staff members from our 103 years.
— Jay Jacobs, Director, Carolina Marching Band
An Opportunity to Shine
For nearly 100 years, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade — world-famous for its well-known giant character balloons, ornate floats, incredible marching bands, celebrities, clowns, dance and performance groups, and the one and only Santa Claus — has marked the official start of the holiday season. In 2024, Gamecock nation will be a part of it like never before.
“There are few other pinnacles of marching band excellence than being invited to perform in front of millions in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade,” says Tayloe Harding, dean of USC’s School of Music. “This invitation represents a distinctive recognition of the School of Music, our students, the Carolina Band members and our faculty because it is an acknowledgement of the hard work, dedication and achievement of excellence of everyone involved.”
The parade is the second-oldest Thanksgiving parade in the United States, with its origins in 1924. The three-hour parade route weaves through Manhattan, ending outside Macy’s Herald Square. It has been televised nationally on NBC since 1953. The parade's workforce includes Macy's employees and their friends and family, all working as volunteers.
FAQ
Each year, the Macy’s Parade Band Committee looks for bands that have the stage presence and musical and marching abilities to captivate millions of live spectators and viewers nationwide. The Carolina Band is one of just 10 bands — only four of these are collegiate bands — selected to perform next year out of more than 100 applicants.
The 2024 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 28, aired on NBC and streamed live on the Peacock network.
No tickets are required! Anyone can watch the parade along the 2.5-mile parade route. And since so much of the action is floating in the air, you'll see plenty!
The Roar of the Southeast on the Streets of the Northeast!
Macy's has donated $10,000 to help pay for the Band’s appearance in their Thanksgiving Day Parade, but it will take much more for The Mighty Sound of the Southeast to make it to New York City. Click here to help The Carolina Band make it to Broadway.
Sponsorships
Sponsor certain members, an entire section or the Carolina Band as a whole to personalize your support. You can help sponsor this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Your donations will help cover critical needs — from travel and accommodation to uniforms, meals and instrumental maintenance. For sponsorships, please contact Audra Vaz or call (803) 777-9732.
- Recognized as the Exclusive sponsor of the Carolina’ Band’s journey to NYC.
- Largest logo on printed materials, including signage, website, apparel and other items.
- Sign on Copenhaver Band Hall practice field fence.
- Social media engagement.
- Carolina Sound to perform at your place of business.
- Four Loge Box tickets to any home game in the 2024 home football game season.
- Invitation to the Cockaboose during a home football game (date tbd).
- Four Presidential Suite tickets to home Men’s or Women’s Basketball game of your choice.
- Recognition at all Band/Macy’s related events.
- Other benefits to be determined.
- Second largest logo on printed materials, including signage, website, apparel and other items.
- Sign on Copenhaver Band Hall practice field fence.
- Social media engagement.
- Carolina Sound to perform at your place of business.
- Two Loge Box tickets to any home game in the 2024 home football game season.
- Invitation to the Cockaboose during a home football game (date tbd).
- Two Presidential Suite tickets to home Men’s or Women’s Basketball game of your choice.
- Recognition at all Band/Macy’s related events.
- Other benefits to be determined.
- Large logo on printed materials, including signage, website, apparel and other items.
- Sign on Copenhaver Band Hall practice field fence.
- Social media engagement.
- Two Loge Box tickets to any home game in the 2024 home football game season.
- Invitation to the Cockaboose during a home football game (date tbd).
- Recognition at all Band/Macy’s related events.
- Other benefits to be determined.
- Your logo/name on shirts or band gear for one section of the marching band (trumpets, Coquettes, etc.)
- Social media engagement.
- Name on Copenhaver Band Hall practice field fence.
- Two game day tickets to sit with the Carolina Band during one home football game.
- Social media engagement.
- Recognition at all Band/Macy’s related events.
- Name on Copenhaver Band Hall practice field fence.
- Social media engagement.
- Two tickets to sit with the band during one home football game.
- Recognition at all Band/Macy’s related events.
- Name on Copenhaver Band Hall practice field fence.
- Social media engagement.
- Two tickets to sit with the band during one home football game.
- Recognition at all Band/Macy’s related events.
- Name on website and printed materials.
- Personalized thank you video and note from sponsored student.
Give Now!
Please help us complete the journey to NYC for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade by donating today.