The Catalina Foothills High School band was one of about a dozen marching bands that performed during the parade and for a national TV audience. About 300 band members and supporters made the trip.

Photos courtesy of GroupPhotos.Com

More Photos (3):

top jobs

MEDICAL SECRETARY for pediatric front office.... Morris K. Udall Foundation PROGRAM MANAGER... FUEL ISLAND ATTENDANTS & TIRE BAY ATTENDANT... DRIVER/WAREHOUSE needed w/ CDL lic... Countertop Installer 401K, medical, vac... AUTO TECH cert'd w/tools & LUBE TECH.... CLERICAL/SALES ENTRY LEVEL. Good pay...

The Catalina Foothills High School marching band became the first Tucson-area band to participate in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade last Thursday.

The Falcon Marching Band — which includes the pom line and color guard — braved wet weather to take part in the 80th edition of the high-profile event in New York City. The event was televised nationally on NBC.

After the parade, the students took a dinner cruise around Manhattan.

The group — which numbered close to 300 — arrived in New York City Nov. 21 with teachers and family members. They returned home late Sunday.

The students and their families raised more than $350,000 to travel to the event by holding car washes and selling frozen dough, according to an announcement during the parade.

During the parade, Maku Wood, 16, was recognized for winning a $5,000 scholarship, which was awarded to one outstanding band member participating in the parade.

Wood, a junior, was selected based on her winning essay.

The band also received $5,000 because of her effort.