Assistant Band Director John Walker Jr. said working with the students, selecting songs, and composing the music they perform, only adds to their sound.

The marching band was offered and accepted the invitation for the parade, which will be held in March 2026, said the band’s communications team.

The parade features New Orleans area marching bands, local celebrities, huge national brands, and surprise A-list guests.

H.B.C.U. bands have been part of the festivities since the first halftime show. This year, Southern University’s “Human ...