NEW YORK — For the first time in 60 years, a college marching band with East Tennessee ties took part in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
More than 300 members of East Tennessee State University's Marching Buccaneers paraded through the streets of New York on Thursday. The weather in the city was wet and dreary, but it didn't at all dampen their spirits or energy.
The band alternated between "Jump in the Line" and "Over the River" down the parade route in front of the nearly 3 million people who showed up to catch the Thanksgiving spectacle. The Marching Bucs were one of the first to perform on the star at Macy's Herald Square and they put on an energetic performance of "Happy Together."
Alyssa Ross, a majorette from Powell with the Marching Bucs, spoke with 10News shortly after the parade. Ross was one of the first female Eagle Scouts as a member of the inaugural class. She said scouting taught her to make the best of any situation. Even when soaked to the bone, she said they had a ton of fun in the parade.
"It was honestly amazing, truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," she said.
Ross said the Marching Bucs started their day incredibly early. Their morning began right after midnight for an early rehearsal and 1:30 a.m. call time. They were able to do a test run of "Happy Together" in Herald Square before grabbing some breakfast at Margaritaville.
Even with the overnight practice in the dreary conditions, the Marching Bucs looked sharp with plenty of pep in their step.
Ross said they had practiced for this moment for a long time. When she got into college, she said the thought never occurred to her that she'd have the opportunity to march in America's largest parade.
Early last year, the school announced they were chosen as one of the featured bands. Ross said the majorettes were also given the opportunity to open for the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall on Wednesday alongside the band's color guard.
She said the band was soaking wet and shivering when getting on the bus after the parade, but it was worth it.
"I was a little out of it... I kept saying over and over, 'I can't believe this happened,' because this morning has felt like a great adventure," she said.
Ross said the band was getting ready to enjoy Thanksgiving together with a dance party after the parade. She said they are looking forward to things calming down a little and being able to catch a nap on the way back to East Tennessee.