NEW YORK (WCBD) – The University of South Carolina’s marching band, The Carolina Band, made its debut in the 98th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. This marked the band’s first appearance in the annual parade held in New York City. They were met with chilly temperatures in the upper 40s, rain, and a slight breeze. The “Mighty Sound of the Southeast” represented its school and South Carolina well, however, with a holiday performance live on NBC as they reached the front of Macy’s Herald Square flagship store on 34th Street. Members of marching band march down Central Park West during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade, Thursday, Nov. 28 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura) The Carolina Band was one of 11 marching bands chosen to participate in this year’s parade. To prepare for the big day, the band practiced marching on the streets of Columbia in late October and attended rehearsal in New Jersey on Tuesday. They were also featured Wednesday on NBC’s Today Show. Band members will attend the Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring the Rockettes after the parade, and enjoy Thanksgiving dinner together later in the evening. The band will return to Columbia on Friday in time for the USC/Clemson football rivalry game on Saturday. NBC’s coverage of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will re-air Thursday at 2 p.m.