AMHERST, Mass. (WWLP) - The UMass-Amherst Minuteman Marching Band will be hitting the streets of New York City on Thanksgiving Day. The 400+ members of the “Power and Class of New England” have been invited to perform in the 98th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, one of only four university marching bands selected for this year's parade. The band last performed in the parade in 2013. How many people are expected to be traveling for Thanksgiving “The members of the band are thrilled by this opportunity,” says director Timothy Todd Anderson, who has led the Minuteman Marching Band since 2011. “They’ve devoted hours to perfecting the 75-second routine that will be seen by millions in front of the flagship Macy’s store.”  “We are so proud to have the Minuteman Marching Band represent Massachusetts at this iconic event,” says UMass Amherst Chancellor Javier Reyes. “Our band members are talented, innovative, dedicated, and have effusive school spirit. They are outstanding ambassadors for UMass Amherst and are a lot of fun to watch!”  The band leaves for New York on Monday, November 25. They will also be performing with the Carolina Band of the University of South Carolina at Pier 16 near the South Street Seaport on Wednesday, November 27, beginning at 10 a.m.  The 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will be broadcast live on NBC and Peacock channels beginning at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, November 28. You'll be able to watch it right here on WWLP 22News. Local News Headlines Tracking wet and possibly wintry weather in Massachusetts this week UMass football Head Coach Don Brown to be replaced Chicopee Fire Dept. honored for water rescue Springfield Police Officer John Toledo suspended WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.