Cover Image – Pictured left to right: Jay Forstman, Caleb Freeman, Logan Dye, Briley Johnson, and Maddie Levrett | Images courtesy of UNA Bands and Jasper High School Band
Words by Jenny Lynn Davis | Additional Images courtesy of Samuel Camp
The University of North Alabama’s Marching Pride will step onto one of the world’s biggest stages this Thanksgiving, performing in the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Five UNA band members who graduated from Walker County and Jasper City schools will be part of the historic moment.
The band learned of the honor last fall, moments after halftime of UNA’s homecoming game. Director of Bands Dr. Lloyd Jones said the announcement drew a wave of excitement and disbelief across the field. Students kept repeating, “That can’t really be happening,” even as the entire stadium celebrated with them.
Representing Walker County in the Marching Pride are Jay Forstman, Logan Dye, and Maddie Levrett, all graduates of Oakman High School, along with Caleb Freeman and Briley Johnson, who graduated from Jasper High School. All five now perform as members of the UNA Marching Pride and will march in front of millions of viewers on Thanksgiving morning.
Jones said opportunities like this are transformative for college musicians. Many have never traveled beyond the Southeast, and the parade gives them a chance to experience New York City, navigate a fast-paced national event, and perform on a global platform. “It’s a huge experiential learning opportunity. This lets them spread their wings and see more of the world,” he said.
The parade, the most-watched in the world, offers exposure Jones describes as invaluable for both the students and the university. The band’s name will be announced on live television, placing UNA before an audience of tens of millions.
Preparation for the performance began during the Marching Pride’s regular season. The band had to craft a 75-second, high-energy set tailored to the parade’s television window. After multiple Zoom meetings with parade staff, Jones pitched an idea that connected directly to North Alabama’s cultural heritage: a medley built around iconic Muscle Shoals music. Parade organizers immediately recognized the song list and agreed it was the perfect fit.
Before rehearsals could begin, the band had to ensure the trip was financially possible. That required considerable fundraising, steady alumni involvement, and significant support from donors who believed in the value of sending the Marching Pride to New York. UNA’s administration provided logistical assistance, and the State of Alabama contributed funds through the education budget following a proposal by Senator Larry Stutts (R-Tuscumbia). Jones said the collaborative effort ensured that each student paid only $250 out of pocket, with all remaining expenses covered by fundraising and donations.
More than 300 family members and supporters will travel with the band, filling twelve charter buses on the route from Florence to New York City. The Marching Pride departs at 2 a.m. on November 23, just hours after finishing a home football game. “I doubt the students will sleep much,” Jones laughed. “Too much anticipation.”
Once in New York, the band will dive straight into a fast-paced schedule. Their first rehearsal is set for Monday night in Herald Square, where streets are briefly closed so each band can run through its performance. UNA expects to rehearse twice before packing up instruments and heading to dinner. Parade morning is even more intense; buses are allowed only a three-minute stop, meaning anything left behind stays behind. Jones said the students will adapt quickly to the pace and energy of the event.
The UNA Marching Pride is among only ten other bands from across the country selected to participate in the parade. This year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade airs live on NBC and streams on Peacock beginning at 7:30 a.m. CST. WL
