The Screaming Eagles, representing the New England region, is one of 13 bands participating in this year's parade. More than 250 bands from across the country apply each year to march in the 71-year-old event, which annually draws some 48 million television viewers world-wide. Parade organizers requested a videotape of the 156-member band's football half-time routine.
"Their field show was outstanding," said Mark Schonberg, operations manager for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. "It really caught our eye and we could tell this was an outstanding band with a firm musical background. We knew their participation would make for a special moment in the parade."
The band is guaranteed a minute-and-a-half televised performance, which will be broadcast world-wide. During that time, the Screaming Eagles will perform selections from "West Side Story." During the rest of the parade route the band will feature a medley of the traditional Boston College fight songs.
Many of the students watched the parade as children and are thrilled to be a part of it, said Boston College Bands Director Sebastian Bonaiuto. "It's not everyday that you get out in front of 48 million people."