Hundreds of bands across the country were hoping for the invitation that came Tuesday to Harrison High.

Harrison High School Marching Band found out it would be one of 11 marching bands to perform in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York next year.

On Nov. 26, 2009, the Harrison band will march down Broadway for the first time.

Macy's officials and officials at the Kennesaw school kept the secret until Tuesday's announcement. They surprised band director David Vandewalker and the band with the invitation.

The band's superior musical ability, marching and performance skills have earned it a slot in the parade lineup, parade officials said.

"Harrison has shown that they have enormous musical and marching talent that will continue to bring Georgia's band heritage to millions of parade spectators in November 2009," parade director Bill Schermerhorn said.

"We are excited that our marching band has been chosen to participate in the 2009 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. It is truly an honor to have the marching band represent our school at this world class event, and we look forward with much anticipation to 2009," Harrison Principal Donnie Griggers said.

The Macy's parade takes more than a year to plan, so the bands are chosen more than 18 months in advance.