Statue of Liberty Cruise
Hours before suiting up and heading to Herald Square for the Parade, the students took a few hours to cruise the Hudson River and spend time with their Catamount family.
Making History in New York City
This year, Pride of the Mountains became one of the only bands in Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade history to perform twice in five years. Over 500 Catamounts made the trip from Cullowhee to New York City to march in the parade. Their incredible journey has been a once-in-a-lifetime experience for all the students, staff, family and alumni who were involved. Discover their journey...
The Final Chapter
From moving 535 students from Cullowhee to New York City to marching in front of millions of fans around the world, this experience will certainly be one that these students will never forget.
Behind the Scenes - Let's Have A Parade
Parade day has finally come, and the Pride of the Mountains marching band represented WCU and North Carolina in front of millions of fans in New York City and on national television.
Marching in their Dad's Footsteps
Skyler and Mackenzie Lucas grew up dreaming of someday following in their dad's footsteps, having heard the stories about when he marched in the 1986 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. This year that dream became a reality.
"Pride of the Mountains has given me the chance to grow my passion for teaching music, and I couldn’t be more grateful."
Ben Jones
Class of 2020, Bachelors of Arts in Music Education
Travel with Us
Explore New York City with the members of the Pride of the Mountains Marching Band and meet just a few of the Catamouns who make this band the "baddest in the land."
One World Observatory
Seeing New York City is definitely a lifelong memory, but seeing it from the top of the tallest building in the western hemisphere is another experience all together.
Let's Have A Parade
After months of rehearsal, planning, and anticipation, the Pride of the Mountains finally fulfilled their dreams of marching in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Rehearsal
After months of preparation, the students wake up before the sun to load on to the busses that will take them to the heart of the parade route for their rehearsal at 4:00 AM.
We Have Arrived
North Carolina, Tennesee, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania… New York City. After eleven hours on the road Saturday, the Pride of the Mountains Marching Band arrived in New York City.
Touring the City
The wait is finally over and the Pride of the Mountains has arrived in New York City. For some students, this is their first time away from North Carolina. It’s clear that everyone excited about all that the city has to offer.
Touring the City pt.2
On Tuesday, the students of the Pride of the Mountains Marching Band caught a show on Broadway and visited the One World Observatory.
