PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Today, the Rutgers University Marching Scarlet Knights were selected to perform in the 2023 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade®, representing the state of New Jersey. This will mark the first Parade appearance by the band. The Marching Scarlet Knights, under the leadership of director of university bands and athletic bands Dr. Todd Nichols and assistant director of bands Dr. Julia Baumanis, will join the world-famous event in New York City to the call of "Let's Have a Parade," the iconic phrase that has signaled the start of every Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade since 1924.

"Our entire university band program is thrilled to celebrate the Rutgers Marching Scarlet Knights being invited to represent our university and the great state of New Jersey in one of the most time-honored traditions for marching bands," Nichols said. "To be invited to march in the 2023 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is an incredible honor and quite honestly a 'bucket-list' wish for our band members, teaching staff and directors. We cannot wait to join the 2023 parade and greatly thank the Macy's team for this gracious invitation."

"It is an incredible honor to have our Rutgers Marching Scarlet Knights sharing center stage on one of the biggest days of the year," said Rutgers Athletic Director Pat Hobbs. "This is a testament to the incredible job Todd and his assistants have done and the hard work of each and every band member. They are so deserving of this opportunity."

Each year, the Macy's Parade Band Committee looks for bands that have the stage presence, musical and marching abilities to captivate millions of live spectators and viewers nationwide. The Marching Scarlet Knights were picked from more than 100 applicants as one of ten selected bands to march in the 97th edition of the annual holiday spectacle. The band will join the revelry along with other iconic Macy's staples: floats, giant character balloons, clowns and superstar performers galore on Thanksgiving Day 2023, helping to create an unforgettable experience for millions.

The Marching Scarlet Knights were founded in 1915 and first played at Rutgers football games in 1921. Other high-profile events over the years included an appearance at Super Bowl XVIII, 2022 Music for All Grand Nationals, on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and during Monday Night Football at MetLife Stadium.

For more than 90 years, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade has given thanks to what Macy's values most –- its loyal fans. Thousands of Macy's colleagues and dedicated volunteers work tirelessly to create a spectacular event that entertains the cheerful crowds and provides joy to millions at home watching on Thanksgiving Day. Stretching down a more than two-mile-long route in New York City, the spectacle is alive with gleaming color, music and smiles.

Click here to learn more about the Rutgers University Marching Scarlet Knights and follow on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.

About the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade:
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is a national icon that has grown into a world-famous holiday event. For more than 90 years, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade has marked the official start of the holiday season. Growing in size and scale, the Parade features Macy's signature giant character balloons, fabulous floats, incredible marching bands, celebrities, clowns, dance and performance groups, and the one and only Santa Claus, spreading holiday cheer. For more information on the Macy's Parade, please visit https://www.macys.com/parade.

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