The L.D. Bell Blue Raider Band has been selected to perform in the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®!
Follow our journey to the Parade and discover how you can support the band as they prepare for the experience of a lifetime. We can't wait to share the excitement with you!
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Blue Raider Marching Band from L.D. Bell High School (Hurst, Texas) to perform in 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®
NEW YORK, NY & HURST, TEXAS – MAY 28, 2024 – Today, the L.D. Bell High School Blue Raider Marching Band was selected to perform in the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®, representing the state of Texas. This will mark the first Parade appearance by the band. The Blue Raiders will join the iconic holiday march to the call of “Let’s Have a ParadeTM,” the iconic phrase that has signaled the start of every Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade since 1924.
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. L.D. Bell’s Blue Raider Marching Band was selected from more than 100 applicants as one of ten selected bands to march in the 99th 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 2025, helping to create an unforgettable experience for millions.
“Macy’s is thrilled to invite the L.D. Bell Blue Raider Band to join the line of march in the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade,” said Sara Flores, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade associate producer. “The band’s outstanding commitment to artistry and creativity leapt off the screen during the selection process, and I’m thrilled to invite students from this talented band to perform on a national stage in November 2025.”
"We are thrilled to have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent our HEB ISD and L.D. Bell community on an international stage in the 2025 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City,” said Band Director Suzanne Dell. “I am so grateful to all of the incredible alumni that are part of the Long Blue Line of the Blue Raider Band, whose efforts created and maintained the standard of excellence that we aspire to today. We would not have an opportunity like this without them and their legacy."
As part of the announcement, the Macy’s team presented the band with a $10,000 fundraising kick off.
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L.D. Bell High School’s Blue Raider Marching Band will spend the next 18 months planning for their Parade appearance. Rehearsals and creative fundraising events not only bring the school and the community closer but also prepare the students for the march of a lifetime.
For nearly 100 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.
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 nearly 100 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 macys.com/parade .
MACY’S:
Macy’s External Communications, Ryan Gannon/Gabriella Boresi, eventmedia@macys.com
BAND:
L.D. Bell High School Blue Raider Marching Band, Director Suzanne Dell, suzannedell@hebisd.edu