Celebrating the Northern Arizona University Marching Band’s Incredible Achievement in New York City
As Mayor of Flagstaff and a proud alumna of Northern Arizona University (NAU), I recently had the honor of traveling to New York City to support the NAU Marching Band as they performed in the world-renowned Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. This remarkable event was a milestone not only for the dedicated students, staff, and alumni of NAU, but also for the entire Flagstaff community, whose unwavering support helped make this dream a reality.
Some 600 donors participated in the effort to help the band make it to NYC, our Flagstaff City Council among them. Because 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of Route 66, I suggested to the band director that if they could incorporate some Route 66 related material, it could be a great town-gown collaboration. I was delighted when we spoke a few weeks later and they told me they were going to perform the John Mayer version of “Route 66” from the Pixar movie “Cars”. I put them in touch with Discover Flagstaff—the visitor marketing arm of the City—who created stretchable tuba bell covers with the 100th anniversary Route 66 logo.
As both an NAU alumna and the Mayor of Flagstaff, I felt a personal responsibility to be present for this historic occasion. I decided to travel to NYC, not only to witness the band’s performance but to stand with them as a representative of their hometown. It was important to me that these talented students knew how deeply their community believes in them and celebrates their accomplishments.
On Thanksgiving morning, as the band marched through the heart of Manhattan, I felt an overwhelming sense of joy and pride. Watching the NAU Marching Band’s performance broadcast to millions of viewers across the country was a testament to their hard work and talent. But it also served as a moment of unity for the Flagstaff community and the university, reminding us of the extraordinary things our young people can accomplish with determination and collective support. NAU staff and alumni donned our best NAU apparel and sat together in the stands where we cheered the band as they marched by. If you watch the video below, you can see where the students recognized they had supporters in the stands.
I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Flagstaff City Council for their vision and financial backing, to Vice Mayor Miranda Sweet for accompanying me to NYC, to the NAU educators for their dedication, and to each student who represented the university and our city with such grace and excellence. This experience was not just about a single performance; it was about believing in our youth, investing in their success, and celebrating their achievements on the national stage. Thank you, students, for inspiring us all and for showing the nation the spirit and talent that defines Flagstaff and Northern Arizona University.
It’s hard to describe the pride we felt as the marching band came down the street!
Part of the band performed for alumni the evening before the parade.
I shared with the marching band how proud we were of them before they left Flagstaff.
