MATTERS MARIAN - Marian Catholic High School

MCHS Band Heading Back to Macy’s Parade
Confetti rains down on MCHS Band Members as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade acceptance is announced.
After a rigorous selection process, the Marian Catholic Marching Band has been
invited to march in the 2013 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. To be one of the few
selected, each applicant band must submit recordings, video, photos, recommendations
and a resume of accomplishments. Needless to say Marian Catholic’s Marching Band
was able to fit the hefty bill.
With seven Grand Nationals Championships, the Marian Catholic Band has garnered
the most wins in Bands of America history, Marian being the only high school in
history that has won seven Grand Nationals. In the State of Illinois Marching Band
Championships, Marian is undefeated in its class since 1980. This 33-year undefeated
streak at State is unprecedented in any arena. These accomplishments make Marian
Catholic’s Band Program one of the most outstanding in the United States.
The Marian Band’s educational and competitive philosophies have been used as
models for band programs in nearly every state in the country. The revered program is
known coast-to-coast, and it is not surprising that they have been invited to perform at
the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade for the third time in the program’s history.
Director Greg Bimm has infused in his students a simple, yet meaningful, philosophy:
PRIDE—Personal Responsibility In Daily Efforts. Bimm teaches his students that
they should be able to stare themselves straight in the face after each day and know,
that no matter the outcome, they could not have tried harder. He is very excited for his
students to perform at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Bimm is proud that they
have earned this experience.
“This is an exciting time. There is different kind of energy when you are getting ready
for a performance at this level,” said Bimm. “It’s one more very special experience that
our students get to be a part of. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is one of the two
greatest parades in the United States, making this an experience you cannot replicate
anywhere else.”
Once in New York, the band, which consists of 225 members, will have one trial
run to practice their show on the parade route. As one can imagine, many elements
are involved in the minute and a half performance. Within the time given to each
marching band, Marian will try to create a performance that is festive and entertaining.
During the six-day trip to New York, the band also plans to do some sightseeing.
They will tour the Empire State Building, Central Park, Statue of Liberty and Lincoln
Center, as well as attend a Broadway show.
Wesley Whatley, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Creative Director, and Greg Bimm, MCHS Band Director.
Kaley Barseth ’15, Alex Tama ’15,
and Malik Rogers ’15.
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