The Ann Richards Marching Stars is a marching band from the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders, located in Austin, Texas. The band, billed as the pride of the school, is the only all-female competitive marching band in the United States. They are also the largest organization on the high school's campus with over 25 percent of students participating. The ensemble is a four-time Bands of America class champion and has earned top ratings in Texas' University Interscholastic League Marching Contests.
History with the Macy's Parade[]
The Ann Richard Marching Stars made their Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade debut in 2021, representing the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders and the state of Texas. The band was initially scheduled to appear in the 2020 Parade, however the COVID-19 pandemic deferred 2020 band invitations to the following year,
“The Macy’s Parade has a long history of hosting outstanding marching bands from the state of Texas but we’ve never seen a band quite as unique and special as the Marching Stars,” said Wesley Whatley, creative producer for the Macy’s Parade. “We are proud to welcome the talented women of the Ann Richards Marching Stars for their debut performance in the 2020 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade!”[1]
The Ann Richards Marching Stars were one of only nine bands selected to appear in the 2020 Parade, out of the more than 100 applicants from around the country.
“To have the Ann Richards Marching Stars, the only all-female marching band in the country, share the stage with other incredible band programs at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is a dream come true,” said Stephen Howard, director of bands at the Ann Richards School. "This performance will not only have an impact on our band program, but also will showcase the leadership and success of the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders.”[1]
Following more than two years of rehearsals and fundraising, the Ann Richards Marching Stars kicked off Macy's 95th annual march of magic as the lead band. For their 34th Street performance, the Marching Stars played a rendition of Cyndi Lauper's iconic song, "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun."