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The marching band at Hampton University, a historically black university based in Virginia, will finally get their chance to perform at the upcoming Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Originally scheduled at the famous New York City event for November 2020, the school band’s performance was reportedly “deferred

to 2021 to enhance safety protocols abided by the CDC and New York City safety regulations,” likely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Known as the Hampton University Marching Force, the college band comprises a drumline, dance team and group of flag twirlers. Following the news that they wouldn’t be able to take the Macy’s stage in 2020, Hampton University President Dr. William R. Harvey commented in a statement, “Through these very unprecedented times, there have been a lot of changes to the entire world. We had high hopes performing in the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade for the first time,”

“We look forward to next year’s parade, but in the meantime, safety is the main concern for everyone,” he added. The band will now perform at the 95th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade this November.

According to a press release from the college, the Macy’s Parade Band Committee chose Hampton University’s band out of over 100 applicants, allowing their students to perform in front of millions of in-person and at-home viewers. 

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Wesley Whatley, a creative producer for the holiday event, spoke about the band’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade debut in the press release, saying, “Rooted in tradition and with explosive energy, the Hampton University Marching Force delivers outstanding, entertaining shows that time and time again bring the crowd to their feet. We look forward to introducing the talented students of Hampton University to our Parade audience,”

You can catch the Hampton University Marching Force’s performance at the 95th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, scheduled to take place this November 25 from 9 AM to noon.