The Rockford High School Marching Band left Sunday to play in the 91st annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.
The marching band is one of 12 in the country chosen to play at the parade. They found out they were playing at the parade in April 2016.
"I don't really feel nervous now, but I think it will hit when we are walking down the street with, like, millions of people on either side," said Rose Sears, a senior flutist. "We put a lot of work into this...this is just a celebration of that."
Playing in the parade is the perfect way to end a career in marching band, said Lilah Cisco, a senior member of the color guard.
"When you look back at all the hard work that we've done, it's very cool to see all that hard work come [together]," Cisco said. "We're ending with a big bang like this."
The 300-plus member band, family and friends filled seven buses at the high school. Those who stayed behind cheered and lit fireworks as the buses left for New York.
The Rockford High School marching band gets an incredible send off as it heads to NYC for the @Macys Day Parade! @wzzm13 pic.twitter.com/7Aez6WdctV
— Noah Fromson (@NoahFromson) November 19, 2017
In addition to being selected for the parade, the Rockford High School Marching also placed first in its flight at the Michigan Competing Band Association this year.
"It's a lot of work, but this is why they do so much," said John Bagin, a parent and chaperone for the trip. "The state championship earlier, and then going to Macy's -- this is why they do it."
To follow along with the band and their time in New York City, follow their Facebook page. You can also find updates on their Instagram page.
►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the WZZM 13 app now.
Have a news tip? Email news@wzzm13.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter.