Temple University's Diamond Band Brings High-Energy Performance to Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
As one of 11 bands selected from hundreds of applicants, Temple University's marching band has been preparing for what they describe as a "once-in-a-lifetime" opportunity: performing in the iconic Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. The 200-member band will take to the two-mile route in New York City alongside giant balloons and floats, showcasing their unique blend of pop culture-themed shows.
For senior trombonist Hugh Strother, the experience is a thrilling chance to fulfill his childhood dream after missing out on the parade due to his graduation schedule. "I kept thinking about it and I'm like, 'Well, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, I don't really mind going in just a little bit more debt,'" he said.
Director Matt Brunner has been working with the band for 18 years and says that performing in the parade has long been a goal. His high school band performed in the parade in 1972, sparking his interest in one day marching in the event himself. This year's selection marks a significant milestone for the Diamond Band as they celebrate their 100th anniversary.
Brunner credits the band's reputation for pop culture-themed shows – including its viral "Barbie"-themed performance and Panic! At the Disco-themed show in 2016 – with securing their spot in the parade. The band has spent the last year preparing students, including marching technique and new songs for each football game.
Despite the excitement surrounding the event, Brunner emphasizes that he wants his students to enjoy the experience. "I just want them to enjoy the moment as they go," he said. "And then I hope for the band moving forward, I hope more people get to see that what this band is about, the energy and the personality of the band."
For seniors Saniyah Davis and Camilla Romero, the parade represents a culmination of months of hard work. While Davis has never seen the Macy's parade on TV before, she's eager to put her skills into action after years of rehearsal. "It's exciting to see all the work we've done throughout the season to finally come to this point," Davis said.
For Romero, the unique blend of contemporary music and dance breaks makes the Diamond Band stand out. As an extracurricular activity that everyone enjoys, she's excited to end her experience on such a high note. "Everybody in the band has worked so hard, putting all their love and dedication to it," she said.
As one of 11 bands selected from hundreds of applicants, Temple University's marching band has been preparing for what they describe as a "once-in-a-lifetime" opportunity: performing in the iconic Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. The 200-member band will take to the two-mile route in New York City alongside giant balloons and floats, showcasing their unique blend of pop culture-themed shows.
For senior trombonist Hugh Strother, the experience is a thrilling chance to fulfill his childhood dream after missing out on the parade due to his graduation schedule. "I kept thinking about it and I'm like, 'Well, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, I don't really mind going in just a little bit more debt,'" he said.
Director Matt Brunner has been working with the band for 18 years and says that performing in the parade has long been a goal. His high school band performed in the parade in 1972, sparking his interest in one day marching in the event himself. This year's selection marks a significant milestone for the Diamond Band as they celebrate their 100th anniversary.
Brunner credits the band's reputation for pop culture-themed shows – including its viral "Barbie"-themed performance and Panic! At the Disco-themed show in 2016 – with securing their spot in the parade. The band has spent the last year preparing students, including marching technique and new songs for each football game.
Despite the excitement surrounding the event, Brunner emphasizes that he wants his students to enjoy the experience. "I just want them to enjoy the moment as they go," he said. "And then I hope for the band moving forward, I hope more people get to see that what this band is about, the energy and the personality of the band."
For seniors Saniyah Davis and Camilla Romero, the parade represents a culmination of months of hard work. While Davis has never seen the Macy's parade on TV before, she's eager to put her skills into action after years of rehearsal. "It's exciting to see all the work we've done throughout the season to finally come to this point," Davis said.
For Romero, the unique blend of contemporary music and dance breaks makes the Diamond Band stand out. As an extracurricular activity that everyone enjoys, she's excited to end her experience on such a high note. "Everybody in the band has worked so hard, putting all their love and dedication to it," she said.
Temple Uni's Diamond Band is gonna kill it at Macy's parade 
this year! I'm hyped for the whole team, especially Hugh, Matt, Saniyah, and Camilla - you guys are rocking! 
It's dope to see them put in all that work and get recognized. The band's pop culture vibes will definitely bring some heat to the two-mile route 
. Can't wait for everyone to enjoy the show!
They're gonna rock that parade with some sick beats! I mean, who wouldn't want to perform alongside giant balloons and floats? 
It's crazy they got picked from hundreds of applicants! Temple University's Diamond Band is like the ultimate pop culture mashup crew. 
Their energy's infectious - I'm sure it'll be a wild ride for everyone involved. 
The fact that their director, Matt Brunner, has been chasing this dream since he was in high school is super inspiring. He wants his students to enjoy the experience too, which is so cool! 
. Director Matt Brunner is all about letting his students enjoy the moment and show off their skills – I love that 
. Bring it on! 
Either way, I hope they bring some amazing energy and performances to the two-mile route! 
. The fact that the band has put so much love and dedication into this performance is really inspiring - it's clear that they're all about having fun and entertaining the crowd 
.
. It's great to see that he prioritizes their well-being and wants them to have a blast performing on such an iconic stage 
. For seniors Saniyah Davis and Camilla Romero, it's clear that this performance is a culmination of months of hard work and dedication 
can't believe my fav band made it into the macy's parade!!! i've been following them on fb for ages and their performances always get me hyped 
they've been workin so hard 4 this moment & it's amazing to see seniors like hugh, saniyah, & camilla get 2 perform in front of millions 
It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience for everyone involved, especially Hugh Strother, the senior trombonist who's been waiting since high school 
. The fact that they got picked because of their pop culture-themed shows is no surprise - their "Barbie"-themed performance went viral last year, LOL! 
#MacysgivingDayParade #TempleUniversityDiamondBand #OnceInALifetimeExperience
I think this is way too convenient for Macy's to select Temple University's Diamond Band for the parade. Like, they're literally one of 11 bands out of hundreds of applicants? 
And have you noticed how all the band members sound super enthusiastic and motivated? Like, it's almost too perfect. 
the fact that they have a viral "barbie"-themed performance under their belt is everything 
. But, you know what would take it to the next level? If they had a surprise guest performer 
️ Their pop culture-themed shows are everything and I'm low-key obsessed with their "Barbie"-themed performance 
. It's amazing that they've been preparing for this moment for months, including new songs for each football game 
. The fact that the band is celebrating their 100th anniversary makes it even more special 
. It's like, their 100th anniversary and all, but what really gets me is that they get to share their passion with everyone else 
, just wanting his students to enjoy the experience without any pressure. And honestly, who wouldn't want to perform in one of the most iconic events in the US? It's like, a dream come true for these seniors and I'm sure they're gonna crush it 
I love how they've been preparing all year round, it's no joke when you're talking about this kind of gig 
And can we talk about the anniversary celebration?! 100 years in the making?