The University of Virginia Cavalier Marching Band received word on Wednesday that it has been selected to represent Virginia in the 2015 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The Cavaliers will join the line of march and begin its performance to the sound of “Let’s Have a Parade,” the iconic phrase that has signaled the start of every Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade since 1924.

The band will join nine other marching bands from across the country as well as iconic Macy’s staples: floats, giant character balloons, clowns and superstar performers on Thanksgiving Day 2015. The parade attracts more than 3.5 million live spectators and more than 50 million viewers.

“With just a decade of experience, the Cavalier Marching Band has garnered a national reputation due to its excellent marching and performance skill,” said Wesley Whatley, creative director of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. “Macy's Band Committee is proud to have such a fine institution representing the state of Virginia in the 2015 parade.”

William Pease, U.Va.’s director of bands, said, “We are thrilled to be selected for the 2015 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. This will be a highlight for all of us participating in the parade. Our current and former members worked very hard to raise the level of our band to receive national recognition. Thanks to everyone for your support. Go Hoos!”

University of Virginia President Teresa A. Sullivan said, “All of us in the U.Va. community are proud of the Cavalier Marching Band and Director William Pease. Here in Charlottesville we have the good fortune to watch our excellent marching band perform frequently and next Thanksgiving Day, millions of Macy’s Parade-goers and television viewers will join us in applauding the band.”

More than 5,000 Macy’s employees and dedicated volunteers work tirelessly to create a spectacular event that entertains the cheerful crowds and provides joy to millions at home watching on Thanksgiving Day. Marching down a more than two-mile long route in New York City, the spectacle is alive with gleaming color, music and smiles.

The Cavalier Marching Band was selected to be one of 10 marching ensembles to perform on Nov. 26, 2015, beating out more than 175 applicants nationwide. Each year, the Macy’s Parade Band Committee looks for bands that have the stage presence to captivate a national audience as well as having the musical and marching abilities to showcase on a national scale.

The Cavalier Marching Band will spend the next 18 months planning for its big debut.