Vandegrift HS marching band, dance company representing Texas at Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

LEANDER, Texas — Texas will be featured in the yearbook Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade by one of Central Texas’ very own marching bands.

That Vandegrift High School Viper Marching Band and Vision Dance Company was sent to New York on Saturday to prepare for next Thursday’s annual parade.

From more than 100 applicants nationwide, the brass band was selected to take part in the parade. The Viper Marching Band and the Vision Dance Company, consisting of more than 300 students, will be there one of only a dozen marching bands perform at the parade. It will join marching groups from colleges and other high schools from across the US and even a student marching band from Veracruz, Mexico.

This is the first time a Leander ISD band has performed at the parade.

In recent years, the Vandegrift Band has received many regional and national awards. Just earlier this month, the band and dance company won the University Interscholastic League 6A state marching band competition after competing in San Antonio against top bands from across the state.

Since 2000, the VHS band has competed in the UIL State Marching Contest a total of six times, finishing second in 2021. In 2019, the band earned the Bands of America Grand National Champion title and is also a four-time Bands of America Regional Champion.

The Leander ISD Vista Ridge High School Marching Band also competed in the 6A state competition, placing fifth out of 42 bands.

Here is a summary of the Leander ISD bands taking part in the state competition: