Newsome High School's marching band will march in the Macy's Parade in 2016.
It's the first time a Hillsborough County school has been invited to the parade. The creative director for the Macy's Day Parade said Newsome's band program is exceptional.
"Newsome had great imagination," said Wesley Whatley, creative director for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. "They're unafraid to take risks. They go out on the field and really go for it."
The announcement came as a surprise to the Wolfpack band members Monday morning. Parade organizers shared the news along with confetti.
Band members were excited.
"We aren't just a band, we're more of a family," said student Elizabeth Patrick who will graduate before the parade. "I have an actual little sister in the band so I'll get to see her perform."
The surprise was an even bigger deal for seventh graders at Randall Middle School. Some of the middle school band members will go to Newsome in 2016 and they'll get there just in time to perform along the streets of New York City.
"I didn't think that it was real," said seventh grader Taylor Thomas. "I'm just shocked. I didn't think we were going to go."
"It's pretty awesome to play in New York in the Macy's Day parade," said seventh grader Jonathan Kanarek.
175 high school bands applied to be a part of the parade in 2016. Only 10 schools were selected.
Newsome High's Wolfpack is the only band in Florida invited to participate.