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Miami has top spot in Macy’s parade

50 million TV viewers will see MU students be “the Santa band.”

Senior trumpet player Josh Harkleroad and the Miami University Marching Band rehearse Nov. 10 for their performance in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Staff photo by Samantha Grier

Samantha Grier Senior trumpet player Josh Harkleroad and the Miami University Marching Band rehearse Nov. 10 for their performance in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Staff photo by Samantha Grier

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By Meagan Engle, Staff Writer Updated 9:54 AM Friday, November 18, 2011

OXFORD — The 257 members of Miami University’s Marching Band are practicing their notes and checking their steps twice in preparation for the 85th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

The band was selected for a coveted spot in the parade — ushering in Santa Claus.

“It’s a high honor,” said band director Stephen Lytle. “There will be a lot of people watching.”

Along with the 3.5 million people who line the two-mile parade route in Manhattan, 50 million viewers tune into NBC beginning at 9 a.m. to see the performers — including Mary J. Blige, Neil Diamond and Cee Lo Green — as well as the 27 floats, 800 clowns and 15 giant helium character balloons.

Miami’s band will play “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” in their spotlight performance, and also will play the Miami University fight song, “Fire” by Jimi Hendrix and “Ain’t Nothing Wrong With That” by Robert Maynard during the route.

“I am super excited,” said band member Peter English, a Milford native who plays flute.

“I always watch the Macy’s parade with my family, so it will be interesting to be in it.”

Miami’s band, which includes students who take a fall semester class, was selected from more than 150 applicants as one of 10 bands in the nation to participate. It is their second time to participate, after a 2003 appearance.

“We’re just really excited to have them return” said Wesley Whatley, of Macy’s.

Whatley said “the Santa band” spot is one of honor “because Santa is our biggest celebrity.”

“We always look for a band that has scale, size and a great sound to herald in his entrance and Miami really had all those qualities we were looking for.

“The Miami band has this professional sound and still the youthful energy,” he said.

Miami freshman Kristin Magyari said the band’s performance also will include flag and twirling work.

“It’s really neat as long as we nail it. As long as I catch my baton, I’ll be happy,” she said.

“It’s going to be a great experience,” she said.

“It’s just awesome Miami got chosen to go.”

Contact this reporter at (513) 523-4139 or mengle@coxohio.com.

Miami University Thanksgiving Day parade

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