CARY, N.C. (WNCN) — Cary High School Band members are getting some last-minute practice before they head to New York for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade next week.

They are one of ten bands from across the country that gets the honor.

The band has been perfecting the routine for months – and even though it’s a lot of repetition, it’s definitely not getting boring, students say.

“I’m happy. I’m nervous. I’m excited. It’s an entire array of emotions that’s running through,” said Noah Marcus.

Marcus is a senior at Cary High School and a member of the drum line.

He says in his four years of band, he would never have thought he would be marching in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

In fact, he’s never even been to New York. But, even though it’s a huge honor, it’s taking a lot to get there.

“My section the drum line went in front of Trader Joe’s and played for a while had a little concert and got donations,” Marcus said.

In total, the trip costs about $350,000. With that, they’ll get a whole week in New York seeing the sights and the city and, of course, the once-in-lifetime opportunity of playing in the parade.

“Not many people get to do that. They’ll always have that memory walking down New York and the buildings everywhere and being behind one of the big balloons,” said Cary High School Band Director Matt Minick.

This Minick’s first time in the parade too. That includes his decades of being a part of marching bands, both playing and directing.

He says he feels like the band’s dad, not just for his daughter, who is in the color guard, but for the other more than 100 students who have practiced for months.

“They’ve worked hard, they’re well trained. They’re going to be fine,” he said.

And for band members like Marcus it’s been grueling, but well worth it.

“It’s hard. And times when it’s hot out and sometimes it’s like ‘Why are we here?’ but next week, you’ll know why you’re here,” he said.

The band is accepting donations to help pay for the trip to New York for the parade appearance.