AUSTIN, Texas — Representing the state of Texas, the Ann Richards Marching Stars learned Monday they were selected to perform in the 2020 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Marking their first appearance, the Marching Stars will join the parade to the call of "Let's Have a Parade," an iconic phrase that has signaled the beginning of every Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade since 1924.
“The Macy’s Parade has a long history of hosting outstanding marching bands from the state of Texas but we’ve never seen a band quite as unique and special as the Marching Stars,” said Wesley Whatley, creative producer for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. “We are proud to welcome the talented women of the Ann Richards Marching Stars for their debut performance in the 2020 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade!”
The Macy's Parade Band Committee looks for bands each and every year that have the stage presence and the musical and marching abilities to captivate its more than 53.5 million viewers. The Marching Stars were selected from more than 100 applicants, and they were chosen as one of nine bands to march in the 94th edition of the parade.
“To have the Ann Richards Marching Stars, the only all-female marching band in the country, share the stage with other incredible band programs at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is a dream come true,” said Stephen Howard, director of bands at the Ann Richards School. "This performance will not only have an impact on our band program, but also will showcase the leadership and success of the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders.”
The Marching Stars will spend the next 18 months planning for their first parade appearance. You can expect lots of rehearsals and fundraising events to not only bring the school and the community closer but also prepare the girls for the march of a lifetime.
The Ann Richards Marching Stars are members of the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders, a nationally recognized school focused on leadership, college readiness, project-based learning and STEM.
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