Towson University’s 175-member marching band has been selected to participate in the 2009 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, one of the most coveted events for marching bands. Ten marching bands — eight representing high schools and two representing universities — were selected from 200 applicants nationwide. More than 3.5 million spectators line the streets of New York City to watch the parade, and another 50 million tune in on television.

The Examiner talks with band director John Milauskas about the honor.

How big of a deal is this?

This is a huge deal. There are really two iconic parades, the Rose Bowl and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. At Towson, our marching band students aren’t in a bowl-type of university, so this creates a lifelong pride. When they are grandparents, they are going to be saying to their grandchildren, “I was in that parade at Towson University.” We are very excited.

This story continues below
Advertisement

What did you have to do to apply?

We had to submit a binder. We had to send audio and video of the band, pictures, my resume and recommendations from other directors and festival organizers.

Do you know what your band will play?

Not yet. We do a loosely conceptual show. Last year, our show was called “Prism,” so we played jazz for blue and Latin for red. The year before, we played “That ’70s Show” and played ’70s tunes.

How many Maryland marching bands have participated in the Macy’s parade?

The University of Maryland participated once, but that was 10 or 15 years ago. Towson University is growing, and our profile is growing