The Alabama A&M University Marching Maroon & White (shortened to MMW) is the official marching band of Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University in Huntsville, Alabama. It is nicknamed the “Showband of the South” and describes itself as a “high-stepping, out-of-sight, dynamic marching band” that performs at every home football game.[1] Founded in 1890, Sports Illustrated named the MMW one of the top 10 HBCU marching bands in the United States. It has performed in national events such as the Tournament of Roses Parade and the Independence Day Parade in Washington, D.C.
History with the Macy's Parade[]
The Alabama A&M University Marching Maroon & White made its Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade debut in 2023 after more than 18 months of preparation. Its inclusion in the Parade was announced in April 2022 by creative producer Wesley Whatley, who gifted the band a commemorative drumhead and a check for $10,000 to kickstart fundraising efforts. The band was one of only ten accepted out of more than 100 applicants.[2]
Band director and alumni Carlton Wright applied the band upon seeing the University of Alabama Million Dollar Band perform in the 2021 Parade; Wright took nearly two months to complete the application as he wanted it to be “pristine and just really immaculate.”[3] Fundraising initiatives by the band raised $575,000 of its $500,00 goal.[4]
On Parade Day, the band’s dance auxiliary—the Dancing Divas—kicked off the official Parade broadcast with singer Jon Batiste in a performance of his single, “Worship.” Along the route, the band played “Back Stabbers” by The O’Jays, "We Are Family" by Sister Sledge, and “Million Dollar Baby” by Ava Max as it held the honor of leading the Parade.
For their one-minute, fifteen-second performance on NBC, the MMW played an original score titled “Nutcrack-ah,” a hip-hop remix of themes from The Nutcracker Act II: Sugar Plum Fairy arranged by associate band director Mario Warren. Following a dance breakdown, the band exited with a high-stepping rendition of the theme from the 70s reality show Soul Train.[4]
Trivia[]
- While in New York, the MMW took a cruise on the Hudson River, a walking tour of Harlem, Central Park, and the World Trade Center, and saw Aladdin on Broadway. They also attended the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes, where the band’s Dancing Divas and Famous Flags opened the show.[4]
References[]
- ↑ About | AAMU Marching Band. AAMUBand.org.
- ↑ Rayburn, Josh. "Alabama A&M University Marching Band heading to 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade." WAAY 31 News. April 20, 2022.
- ↑ Tyrens-Fernandes, Savannah. "‘Huge’: How Alabama A&M band booked Macy’s Day parade, how to watch." Alabama.com. November 23, 2023.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 "Most Viewed Macy's Parade Ever Features AAMU Band." Alabama A&M University. November 27, 2023.