Quick Read
- UNA Marching Pride performed for the first time at the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
- Their 75-second medley featured Muscle Shoals classics like “Mustang Sally,” Wilson Pickett hits, Rolling Stones, and Bob Seger.
- Selected from hundreds of applications for the 2025 parade lineup.
- Preparation for the performance lasted over a year.
- Students experienced New York City’s culture alongside their parade debut.
When the University of North Alabama Marching Pride stepped onto the grand stage of the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, they weren’t just representing their university—they were carrying the soul of Alabama’s legendary Muscle Shoals region onto a national platform. Selected from hundreds of applicants, UNA’s band seized their moment in front of millions of viewers, performing a tightly crafted 75-second medley that paid homage to the area’s outsized contribution to American music.
Marching Pride Earns a Place in Parade History
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is an institution—a live event watched by millions, with a legacy stretching back nearly a century. For the UNA Marching Pride, this year’s invitation marked their first-ever appearance, and the significance wasn’t lost on anyone involved. Band Director Lloyd Jones, speaking to WKRG News and university channels, described the moment as a career high point for both the students and the institution. “We are thrilled that we get to go represent our university, our community, and our state, and this is a real high point of our career here,” Jones remarked, highlighting the sense of pride and responsibility that came with the honor.
The band’s journey to New York began a year prior, when their selection was announced in November 2024. From that moment, every rehearsal, every arrangement, and every logistical detail was focused on delivering an unforgettable performance at one of the world’s most prestigious parades.
A Sonic Celebration of Muscle Shoals
Rather than opting for a generic marching band repertoire, UNA made a deliberate choice: their performance would be a celebration of Muscle Shoals, the northern Alabama community that helped shape the sound of American popular music. Their medley featured timeless hits including “Mustang Sally,” songs by Wilson Pickett, the Rolling Stones’ “Brown Sugar,” and Bob Seger’s “Old Time Rock and Roll.” Each selection was a nod to the region’s legendary recording studios and the artists who passed through them, making the band’s set both a musical tribute and a cultural statement.
Director Jones explained to alabamabands.una.edu, “We have chosen the medley of Muscle Shoals music for our 75 second performance, we feel like that makes us unique among all bands that we have such a thriving recording community here in our area.” The crowd in New York—and viewers across the country—witnessed not just a band, but a slice of Alabama’s creative legacy.
A Year of Preparation and Anticipation
Behind the scenes, the Marching Pride’s journey was anything but spontaneous. From the moment their selection was confirmed, the band embarked on an intensive year-long preparation. Every note, every choreography move, and every logistical hurdle was tackled with the singular aim of perfection. “We have been preparing music for quite some time now, getting just the right arrangements, just the right length of songs,” Jones noted, reflecting on the effort that went into making those 75 seconds count.
The parade window—9:22 to 9:52 a.m. Central Time—was narrow, but for the students, the experience was broad. Beyond their performance, the trip to New York offered a cultural immersion: Broadway shows, visits to the Rockettes, explorations of the Oculus and One World Trade, and a solemn tour of one of the 9/11 museums. As Jones put it, “This is quite a trip for our student body, and they’re looking forward to going to a Broadway show, going to see the Rockettes… so it’s an experiential trip for our students.”
Impact and What’s Next for UNA’s Marching Pride
As one of just 11 bands chosen for the 2025 parade lineup, UNA’s Marching Pride stood shoulder to shoulder with some of the nation’s top ensembles. But their Muscle Shoals tribute set them apart, connecting their local roots to a global audience. The band’s successful performance wasn’t just a fleeting moment—it was a milestone for the university and a spotlight for Alabama’s enduring musical influence.
Band Director Jones expressed confidence in his students, saying, “They’re ready, they’ve improved every day, they’re very excited to show New York and the world what a magical product they have and represent this state and the University of North Alabama.” The pride was palpable, not just in the music, but in the way the ensemble carried themselves throughout the entire experience.
For the students, the trip was more than a performance; it was a life-changing opportunity to grow, to connect, and to celebrate their heritage. As the parade ended and the crowds dispersed, the legacy of their appearance remained—a testament to what happens when preparation meets passion.
The University of North Alabama’s Marching Pride didn’t just march through Manhattan—they brought a piece of Alabama’s soul to the world stage. Their journey, built on discipline and pride, reminds us that great performances are forged in the rehearsal rooms long before the spotlight ever finds them. As they return home, their success will echo through the halls of UNA, inspiring future generations to dream big and honor their roots.