The Morgan State University Magnificent Marching Machine is the official marching band of Baltimore, Maryland's Morgan State University. The Magnificent Marching Machine is a band with high-stepping choreography, dynamic arrangements of traditional and popular music, intricate rhythms, a creative flag line and stunning dancers. The band, also known as the M3, has performed at the White House, in Chris Rock's movie Head of State and at many sporting events and band competitions.
History with the Macy's Parade[]
The Magnificent Marching Machine made its Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade debut in 2019, kicking off the festivities as the lead band. The band's appearance was announced in October 2019 where it was presented with a commemorative drumhead and a $10,000 cheque for a head-start in fundraising their trip to New York City.
Prior to appearing in the Parade, the M3 stopped by Studio 1A in Rockefeller Plaza to appear on TODAY, where they previewed the next day's high-energy performance.
Along the 2.5-mile Parade route, the Magnificent Marching Machine played an array of Motown and Motown-inspired songs, including The Jackson Five's "Can You Feel It?," Michael Jackson's "Torture," and Cee Lo Green's "Crazy."
The band's Herald Square performance, a special arrangement titled the "Everybody Dance" Medley, featured high-energy songs ("Everybody Dance" by CHIC and "Can't Stop the Feeling" by Justin Timberlake) to match the band's high-stepping performance. The M3 played out with their rendition of Montell Jordan's "This Is How We Do It."