Rosemount HS band to march in Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

ROSEMOUNT, Minn. (KMSP) - The Rosemount High School marching band will be one of 10 bands performing in the 2017 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. Gov. Mark Dayton surprised the school with the announcement Tuesday.

The band was selected from one of 175 applicants for its stage presence, musical and marching abilities, according to a news release. The band will perform in front of more than 3.5 million live spectators in New York City and more than 50 million viewers across the country.

"Rosemount High School Marching Band is one of the preeminent marching ensembles in the state of Minnesota," Wesley Whatley, creative director for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, said in a statement. "The band's innovative and creative approach to each field show inspires audiences across their region and we are excited to see them wow the crowds of New Yorkers and millions more on television on Thanksgiving morning in 2017.”

2017 will mark the 100th year anniversary of Rosemount High School and the school’s first performance in the parade.