Even though it's on every band director's bucket list, Mark McGahey avoided it for years. Until, after 22 years as director of bands at Keller High School, he finally submitted an application to play in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Of the hundreds of bands that apply rarely does one get picked on the first try.
“I think we knew it was a possibility, but not a strong possibility," McGahey said.
So, soon after applying, Mark gathered the band to give them the bad news: they wouldn't be home for Thanksgiving this year.
That announcement was more than a year ago and they'll march down 6th Avenue on Thursday.
“It feels kinda like they announced it yesterday," said senior baritone player William Allison.
“Just to know that what we’ve been doing, all the work we’ve been putting in outside of school and in school, practice, we’re getting recognized for that," said junior french horn player Allie Smith.
Just don't expect a sneak peek of the performance. Thursday's show is so top secret we were event allowed to film them practice it. We could only watch the band walk through its marches.
But if it's anything like their performance two weeks ago, America is in for a treat.
At the UIL State Championships, the Keller Indian Band marched its way to an eighth place finish.
But Thursday they'll step on an even bigger stage.
Millions will be watching, and hopefully listening, to the sweet sound of success.
“I want them to see a bunch of students that have worked really hard to be in the place that they are," Smith said.
"And I think it'll be something where people notice, 'wow they're really put together and I think that's some group I need to pay attention now.' And it's nice to be on a national stage to be able to do that," McGahey added.
Clearly, something to be thankful for.