The long wait is almost over.

Members of the Franklin Regional High School marching band were notified in April 2008 that they would be performing in this year's Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Macy's officials delivered the good news in person in the school's auditorium. Since that day, there have been many hours of hard work put in by 202 band members.

But knowing that some of those who were on hand for the announcement wouldn't be making the trip to New York City wasn't easy to accept.

"The only difficult part was that half the students in the auditorium that day would not be here for the parade a year and a half later, even though they performed on the audition tape," said Kevin Pollock, the band's director.

"So the students leaving for New York next week know that they owe it to those alumni to do the best performance possible on Thanksgiving morning."

The Franklin Regional band also marched in the 2003 parade. Bands must wait at least five years between appearances in the Macy's parade.

"We feel very fortunate to be performing for the second time in such a prestigious parade," Mr. Pollock said. "Each year, hundreds of bands apply, so to be one of the 10 selected is quite an honor."

Mr. Pollock, who is in his 23rd year at Franklin Regional, said he's confident that when the band members get to the parade's staging area at Central Park next Thursday and feel the energy and excitement on the street, they'll be ready to go.

"In 2003, we learned that the parade moves very quickly," he said. "It was surprising how fast-paced it was, from the starting line until we got near the Macy's store and the televised area."

Mr. Pollock said two Macy's appearances in six years validate what the band does in many ways, but success would be impossible without support from the administration and parents.

Franklin Regional Superintendent P. Emery D'Arcangelo said the district is fortunate to have so many talented students.

"And the fact that they are again invited to participate in the Macy's parade is a tribute to our students, the support from the parents, school board and community, along with the outstanding leadership from Kevin Pollock," he said.

Mr. Pollock said the band will be one of the first to march the new route -- off Broadway and along 7th Avenue -- designated for this year's parade.

The highlight of the band's performance, he said, will occur on 34th Street in front of the Macy's department store as NBC televises the band's rendition of "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend" to more than 65 million viewers.

Mr. Pollock said the students have a few surprises in store for their audience. The band not only will perform, but will tell a story with music, props, costumes, dance and special effects.

While in New York, the students will have a full itinerary, including seeing a Broadway show and the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, and sightseeing with stops at the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

The band also was asked by Macy's in New York last summer to play at Pittsburgh's Light Up Night tomorrow.

"We'll be performing for the window unveiling at the Macy's store and then marching down to the Point for the fireworks show," Mr. Pollock said. "It should be exciting."

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