Temple University's Diamond Band Takes a Once-in-a-Lifetime Leap: Performing in Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
When Hugh Strother, a senior trombone player at Temple University, received news that his band would be marching in the iconic Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, he was initially disappointed. As a marketing major with a graduation date just months away, he feared missing out on fulfilling childhood dreams. However, Strother made an unexpected decision: staying an extra semester to join the parade.
Strother's motivation stems from his lifelong passion for the parade and the sense of pride it embodies. "It was like, 'This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity... I don't really mind going in just a little bit more debt about that,'" he said. For Strother, attending the parade represents more than just a musical performance – it's an experience that will allow him to cherish memories with his friends and be part of something truly unique.
The Diamond Band, celebrating its 100th anniversary, was handpicked from hundreds of bands to perform alongside giant balloons, floats, and singers. The 200-member ensemble has rehearsed tirelessly under the guidance of Director Matt Brunner, who shared his own childhood aspirations of marching in the parade with Strother. For Brunner, this moment marks a culmination of years spent preparing students for this performance.
The band's selection process was rigorous, requiring them to submit resumes, performance videos, uniform pictures, and examples of their community impact. According to Brunner, this year marked Temple's first attempt at being selected – and it paid off. The Diamond Band will perform an eclectic medley of songs, including a K-Pop Demon Hunters number and the Temple fight song.
This year's parade marks a rare opportunity for students like Saniyah Davis, who has never seen the Macy's parade on TV due to sleeping through it as a child. Despite some nerves about performing live, she expressed excitement at putting months of rehearsals into action. Camilla Romero, another senior saxophone player, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that their band is "unique" due to its ever-changing contemporary music and dance breaks.
As Brunner noted, this performance won't come again until 2030, per parade rules – a fact that has left many band members feeling bittersweet. While some may be melancholic about not being able to experience the parade multiple times, they've been empowered by the opportunity to share their passion with millions of viewers worldwide.
In Brunner's words: "I just want them to enjoy the moment as they go... 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. ... If you've seen it live, it's just something that you can't describe."
As the Diamond Band takes center stage in New York City on Thanksgiving Day, fans worldwide will be treated to a captivating performance from one of America's most cherished marching bands.
When Hugh Strother, a senior trombone player at Temple University, received news that his band would be marching in the iconic Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, he was initially disappointed. As a marketing major with a graduation date just months away, he feared missing out on fulfilling childhood dreams. However, Strother made an unexpected decision: staying an extra semester to join the parade.
Strother's motivation stems from his lifelong passion for the parade and the sense of pride it embodies. "It was like, 'This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity... I don't really mind going in just a little bit more debt about that,'" he said. For Strother, attending the parade represents more than just a musical performance – it's an experience that will allow him to cherish memories with his friends and be part of something truly unique.
The Diamond Band, celebrating its 100th anniversary, was handpicked from hundreds of bands to perform alongside giant balloons, floats, and singers. The 200-member ensemble has rehearsed tirelessly under the guidance of Director Matt Brunner, who shared his own childhood aspirations of marching in the parade with Strother. For Brunner, this moment marks a culmination of years spent preparing students for this performance.
The band's selection process was rigorous, requiring them to submit resumes, performance videos, uniform pictures, and examples of their community impact. According to Brunner, this year marked Temple's first attempt at being selected – and it paid off. The Diamond Band will perform an eclectic medley of songs, including a K-Pop Demon Hunters number and the Temple fight song.
This year's parade marks a rare opportunity for students like Saniyah Davis, who has never seen the Macy's parade on TV due to sleeping through it as a child. Despite some nerves about performing live, she expressed excitement at putting months of rehearsals into action. Camilla Romero, another senior saxophone player, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that their band is "unique" due to its ever-changing contemporary music and dance breaks.
As Brunner noted, this performance won't come again until 2030, per parade rules – a fact that has left many band members feeling bittersweet. While some may be melancholic about not being able to experience the parade multiple times, they've been empowered by the opportunity to share their passion with millions of viewers worldwide.
In Brunner's words: "I just want them to enjoy the moment as they go... 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. ... If you've seen it live, it's just something that you can't describe."
As the Diamond Band takes center stage in New York City on Thanksgiving Day, fans worldwide will be treated to a captivating performance from one of America's most cherished marching bands.
. I mean, who wouldn’t want to play in front of millions of people on TV? It’s such a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I love how they stayed an extra semester to make it happen 
. The fact that they had to submit so much info for the audition is pretty intense too 
. But hey, if being part of something unique and special means missing out on graduation, then its totally worth it 
. Can’t wait to see them perform! 
They must've been totally dedicated to making it happen, all those extra rehearsals and sacrifices for that moment. And can you imagine Saniyah Davis seeing her first Macy's parade live? That's what makes this so special – sharing their passion with millions of people worldwide 
It's not just about the music, but the experience and memories they'll create along the way 
I mean, who wouldn't want to march in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade?! It's such a unique experience and Im sure the band will kill it (no pun intended 
).
. Strother making an extra semester to join the parade is a testament to their dedication – talk about going above and beyond 
. Who knows, maybe this will inspire more students to stay in school for extra semesters? 
Just kidding, but seriously, good luck to the Diamond Band – you're gonna crush it on Thanksgiving Day! 
. i mean, who wouldn't want to perform in one of the biggest events of the year? 
and yeah, I can imagine some people feeling bittersweet about not getting another chance until 2030 
... but like Matt Brunner said, they'll just have to enjoy the moment and hope more people get to see their energy and personality out there 
The parade thingy... yeah, that sounds cool I guess, I love music too... 
i mean, it's not like it's gonna break the bank or something 
and can't they just watch the parade on TV or something 
. And can we talk about how cool it is that they got to include some K-Pop in their setlist? 
The fact that they're only getting this opportunity once every 10 years is bittersweet, but I'm sure they'll make the most of it and give us all a show to remember 
. Bring on the parade! 
But at the same time, think about how lucky those students are to be performing in a parade that most people can only dream of watching. It's like, they get to experience something truly magical and unique... but then again, who gets to say if it's all worth it? 
I mean, the pressure must be pretty intense, rehearsing for months on end. And what about after this performance? Are they gonna just go back to college or is this a whole new level of commitment? 
. I hope they're enjoying every minute of it on stage, 'cause for them, this is what they've been working towards for years 
. Temple University's Diamond Band sounds amazing 
That's like, so bittersweet 
. But I'm sure they'll make the most of it and give it their all 
Temple University's Diamond Band has been rehearsing for like, forever! 
The fact that they have to pay off extra debt to join... yeah, it's worth it tho 
That's like, forever in band years 
. The fact that he got to share his passion with millions of viewers worldwide is just incredible 
! This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for all of them, and I hope they get to enjoy every second of it