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…

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,…