Picture this: It’s a bright, beautiful November morning. Your students are marching alongside hundreds of friends, old and new, as they perform for cheering crowds lining the parade route. But this isn’t just any street – it’s one of the most sought-after performance destinations in the country, Main Street USA, in the heart of the Walt Disney World® Resort.
Welcome to the Thanksgiving Parade of Bands!
About the Thanksgiving Parade of Bands
The Thanksgiving Parade of Bands (TPOB) is a BRT-exclusive event, developed in partnership with Disney back in 2009. Since then, we’ve hosted this mass-band event annually, featuring exceptional marching bands from across the country.
After a competitive application process, selected bands are invited to join us at the Walt Disney World® Resort, where they’ll work with renowned clinicians, learn custom arrangements created by Grammy-nominated composer Rick DeJonge and celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday in unforgettable fashion.
The excitement begins before students leave home. You’ll receive your custom arrangement months in advance, creating excitement in the classroom as students look ahead to the big day. Prior to the event, a distinguished clinician will visit your school for a pre-trip clinic.
Then it’s off to Orlando, where students will learn from incredible instructors, including:
- Barry Houser, Director of the Marching Illini and Associate Director of Bands at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
- Gary Smith, Associate Director of Bands Emeritus from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
- Ben Collins, DCI Champion and former percussion staff member of the Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps
- Ruth Ann Medworth, former Winter Guard International Vice President and member of the WGI Board of Directors and Hall of Fame
- Whitney Medworth, former event manager at Lucas Oil Stadium, Drum Corps International, and visual staff at Madison Scouts
Your musicians will prepare for the main event alongside new friends from around the country, putting the finishing touches on music they’ll perform for thousands of excited guests in front of Cinderella Castle. With a fun-filled itinerary that includes Walt Disney World® Resort accommodations and time to explore the parks, this event is more than a student favorite – it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
After their awe-inspiring march through the Magic Kingdom and a day of thrilling rides, character experiences and all the Mickey-shaped snacks they’ve been dreaming about, your students will gather for an evening of celebration. Together, you’ll enjoy a Thanksgiving meal with all the trimmings, a private performance by the Gateways Brass Collective (sponsored by Conn-Selmer) and an awards ceremony to mark this special moment.
Is the Thanksgiving Parade of Bands right for you?
We designed this one-of-a-kind event to help fill a need in student performance travel. TPOB is a good fit for you if:
- You’re looking for a non-competitive (yet challenging), fun and very memorable event for your students.
- You’re ready to shake up your performance travel schedule a bit.
- You want to provide your program with a holiday opportunity where the band truly is the star of the show.
Here’s what some fellow directors say…
“I’ve participated in the Thanksgiving Parade of Bands three times and can unequivocally say that your students will truly love this experience. TPOB brings together groups from all over the country, allowing students to share a passion for music which will be remembered for a lifetime.”
~ Anthony Svejda, Oak Park and River Forest High School, IL
“The Thanksgiving Parade of Bands has been a highlight of our calendar since it started in 2009. The event gives our students the opportunity to be part of a professionally-produced Disney attraction for thousands of spectators, complete with lights, fireworks, voiceovers and character appearances. And the Thanksgiving dinner and party is fantastic! It’s an experience like no other.”
~ Max Chernick, Bloomington High School, IL
In our years of hosting this event, we’ve created custom itineraries for every participating band, as some choose to apply for a Disney Performing Arts workshop or additional performance opportunity. As with all our student travel experiences, your Thanksgiving Parade of Bands itinerary will be designed with your preferences in mind.
To learn more about this beloved event, or to apply online, just click right here!