The McIntosh High School marching band will perform an “old sweet song” in New York City next Friday as part of the National Veterans Day Parade.

The Spirit of McIntosh marching band went through an audition process to be a part of the event, which is expected to have 600,000 observers. They were selected and are the only school from Georgia to appear in next week’s parade, which will be a “Nations Parade,” giving special recognition to the World War II generation on the 60th anniversary of the end of the war.

The band, under the direction of Barbara Baker and assistant band director Scott Houghtalen, have been preparing for this event since May, but with a renewed focus since the end of the football season last week. Drum major Bailey Abercrombie will lead the marching band as they perform “Georgia on My Mind,” and “America, the Beautiful.” Sixty-five people will be making the trip to New York City.

At a rehearsal earlier this week, Baker and Houghtalen reminded the band members that being a part of the band was an honor. “It’s a big deal,” said Baker. “When you start playing these songs in the parade, you’ll realize it.”

To raise money for the trip, the band has held “Spirit Nights,” sold earrings and wrapping paper and held car washes. In addition to their performance in the parade, the group will take in “The Producers” on Broadway and will do a bit of sightseeing around the Big Apple.

The Spirit of McIntosh marching band will depart for New York City next Tuesday and the parade will take place next Friday at 11 a.m.

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