JMU Marching Band headed to Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Virginia's James Madison University Marching Dukes will be one of only two college bands performing in the 2013 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade held annually in New York City. JMU first participated in the parade in 2001 and again in 2008, and will be sending 485 band members this year.

Band Director Scott Rikkers told WHSV TV-3:

"This will be our third time in the parade. We went for the first time in 2001, second time in 2008, and this will be our third appearance on the 20th of November. There are two college bands in the parade, and we are marching 485. We're probably one of the largest college bands in the country, which we're very proud of, but we're going because we really want to represent James Madison University. What we're just trying to do is create the best, most entertaining performance for the audience, and also again to represent the quality of our program and the school so that's what we focus on, and bottom line, the kids are going to have a great time."

At our house we always watch the parade from the kitchen while preparing Thanksgiving dinner. As a JMU family with our own Duke alumnus son, we will be watching the Marching Dukes. Congratulations, JMU!