The University of Alabama Million Dollar Band, sometimes shortened to MDB, is the official marching band of the University of Alabama. Performing in front of millions of fans each year at exhibitions all over the country, this band has been a Crimson Tide tradition for 106 years. They won the 2003 Sudler Award, becoming the national champion of collegiate marching bands. In 2007, they performed at the Bands of America Regional Championships in Atlanta and also at the Bands of America Grand Nationals in Indianapolis in 2017.
History with the Macy's Parade[]
The University of Alabama Million Dollar band will make their Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade debut in the 2021 Parade, entertaining millions as they travel down the streets of New York City. Though the band was originally scheduled to appear in the 2020 Parade, COVID-19 restrictions caused all regional marching band's appearances to be deferred to 2021. In their place, various local performance groups and ensembles performed for the reimagined event.
"The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is one of America’s iconic holiday traditions,” said Dr. Ken Ozzello, UA professor of music and director of bands. “Having the opportunity to participate will be thrilling for the members of the Million Dollar Band and provide them with life-long memories.”
On Thanksgiving Day 2021, the 400-member strong Million Dollar Band stormed onto 34th Street and rang in the holiday season with the classic Christmas carol, "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town".