Ballou High School’s Band to March in 2009 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Earlier today, students in the Ballou Senior High School’s marching band were treated to a surprise visit from Mayor Adrian Fenty, Ward 8 Council member Marion Barry, D.C. Schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee and Macy’s Parade officials to announce that the band has been chosen to perform at the 2009 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The parade is viewed by over 3.5 million live spectators in New York City and over 50 million television viewers nationwide, a big step from the band's most recent parade appearance last weekend at the Martin Luther King Jr. Parade here in D.C.
The Ballou "Majestic" Marching Knights and their instructor, Mr. Watson, were recently the subject of a documentary film about their turnaround, which has garnered them a lot of media attention. The video clip above shows the band's drumline competing in 2007 for a national championship.
According to DCPS, the Ballou marching band was chosen to fill one of 11 slots in the parade, and will strut down Broadway playing, “Let’s Have a Paradeä.” There will be several fundraisers planned over the next 18 months to support the band’s trip to New York City.
“We are thrilled that Ballou Senior High School will be making their Parade debut in the 2009 line-up. They have demonstrated superior musical and marching abilities synonymous with the caliber of bands that perform on the streets of New York City in front of millions of spectators. We were very impressed with the band program headed by Mr. Watson and we look forward to a great performance next year,” said Robin Hall, executive producer of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Mayor Fenty added, "The Ballou community and the entire District of Columbia are looking forward to a very happy Thanksgiving in 2009."