FSU Marching Chiefs selected to perform in 2027 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Florida State University’s Marching Chiefs will make history in 2027 when they travel to New York City to perform in the 101st Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. 

The Marching Chiefs will be the first collegiate marching band from Florida to march in the iconic parade, which draws millions of spectators in New York and a nationwide television audience each Thanksgiving. 

The selection was announced Monday during halftime of FSU’s football game at Doak Campbell Stadium, surprising the more than 400 members of the Marching Chiefs with news that their band had earned one of the most coveted invitations to perform in the iconic parade.

“The Marching Chiefs are amazing, and now millions of people across the country will get to experience what the Florida State family already knows,” President Richard McCullough said. “Their talent and energy represent the very best of FSU. I couldn’t be prouder that the Chiefs will make history as the first collegiate marching band from Florida to march in the Macy’s parade.” 

The invitation follows a competitive process that draws a few hundred applications, according to Macy’s. FSU’s submission included recommendations from other college band directors, director biographies, photographs, a history of the Marching Chiefs and a video of the band’s “Binge Worthy TV” halftime show from the 2025 football season. 

Macy’s selection committee specifically cited the performance video as well as the Marching Chiefs’ reputation and history of international appearances, according to David Plack, FSU’s director of athletic bands. 

“The Marching Chiefs are amazing, and now millions of people across the country will get to experience what the Florida State family already knows. Their talent and energy represent the very best of FSU.”

– FSU President Richard McCullough

For Plack, the invitation fulfills a longtime ambition. 

“For me, this is a parade I have had my sights on for a long time given its long history and for the prestige that comes with it,” Plack said. “Even with our annual game against Florida the weekend of Thanksgiving, I have always thought there was a way to make it work if given the chance. To see it come to fruition is such a great and surreal feeling. I could not be more excited for our students and our band program for this incredible opportunity.” 

About 420 Marching Chiefs are expected to make the trip to New York in November 2027. After the parade, the band will return to Tallahassee on Friday before traveling to Gainesville on Saturday for Florida State’s annual rivalry game against the University of Florida. 

In addition to Plack, the Marching Chiefs are led by Devan L. Moore, assistant director of athletic bands; Austin Pelella, instructional specialist of percussion; and Patrick Dunnigan, director of bands and professor of music.

The Macy’s parade appearance will add another major performance to the band’s history. The Marching Chiefs have performed internationally at the International Trade Fair in Damascus, Syria; in London for the World Football League; at the 75th anniversary D-Day commemorations in Normandy, France; and at FSU’s 2024 football season opener in Dublin, Ireland. The Chiefs also performed in the Tournament of Roses Parade on Jan. 1, 2015, another appearance Plack considers a “crown jewel” in the marching band world. 

College of Music Dean Todd Queen said the Macy’s invitation builds on a history of representing Florida State before audiences around the world. 

“The Marching Chiefs have a long history of excellence that extends beyond the field,” Queen said. “From Syria to France, England, and Ireland, international audiences have experienced the vibrancy and artistry that the Chiefs impart to every performance. Today, they stand ready to captivate a nationwide audience on one of the country’s most prestigious and beloved stages: the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.” 

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The FSU marching band traces its roots to the 1930s and adopted the Marching Chiefs name in 1950. The band’s history also has a Thanksgiving connection. It gave its first performance on Thanksgiving Day in 1939, when fewer than 20 students played at FSU’s Odds and Evens intramural football game. Eighty-eight years later, the Marching Chiefs will take part in one of the nation’s best-known Thanksgiving traditions.  

This year, the Marching Chiefs include 415 students representing every college at FSU. About 65% are pursuing majors outside of music. Members spend about 10 hours each week rehearsing and learn an average of six shows each season in addition to the band’s pregame show. 

The Marching Chiefs combine traditional and contemporary marching styles and perform their own arrangements, designed to create the distinctive sound known as the “Wall of Sound.” The band performs at all FSU home football games as well as select away games and postseason bowl appearances. Sports Illustrated famously dubbed the Chiefs the “band that never lost a halftime.” 

Now the College of Music is beginning the work of getting all Marching Chiefs to New York. The college is launching a $1 million fundraising campaign to help ensure every student in the band has the opportunity to participate in the performance.  

To support the Marching Chiefs and help send the band to New York, visit the Chiefs donation page.  

Information about travel packages for alumni and friends who want to join the Marching Chiefs in New York will be available soon. 

The 2027 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will take place Thursday, Nov. 25, 2027.