The Ballou Senior High School Majestic Knights marching band, under the direction of leader Darrell Watson, are the pride of D.C. today after their performance in the Macy's annual Thanksgiving Parade. Ballou's band is a D.C. institution that has even inspired a documentary, and they are the first school from the District ever to perform in the parade. The students have been preparing for this performance since their selection was first announced in April of last year, practicing and fundraising for their trip to New York. The band performed a tribute to Michael Jackson called, "It's a Thriller." Enjoy the clip below, courtesy of NBC, and congratulations on a job well done to Mr. Watson, the fantastic musicians and dancers, and their families! more ›

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. more ›