Being selected to perform at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is no easy feat, even after earning appearances at places such as Disney World, a gubernatorial inauguration and Washington, D.C.'s Cherry Blossom Festival parade.

Kevin Pollock, band coordinator for the Franklin Regional High School marching band, said the band was turned down the first time he tried in 2000.

When he tried again in April 2002, Macy's officials told him they liked the band, but Butler Area High School had been chosen from Pennsylvania, so he was asked to perform in this year's parade.

"We filled out an application, created a band resume of other important appearances we've made and the prizes we've won," said Pollock, band director for 17 years. "We sent in a group photo, a video of a half-time performance, an audio recording, letters of reference and a little biography of me."

Ten bands are chosen each year from among hundreds of entries from all over the United States -- 2003 offers high school bands from as far away as Hawaii and Florida. Only one band is allowed from any state. This year, one college band made the cut, Miami University of Ohio.

"Macy's wants a high-energy performance, a good, TV-worthy show. Tunes must be recognizable, entertaining and upbeat," Pollock said. Through the long march down Fifth Avenue, they'll blast out George Gershwin's "Strike Up the Band." And at the critical moment, in Herald Square, outside the door to Macy's, they'll do their complicated drill work for the TV cameras to the tune of "Sing Sing Sing."

"We have exactly 1 minute and 15 seconds to cycle each group of performers through the center of the formation," choreographer Carla Gialloreto said. On their way out of the square, the band must perform "a secular holiday selection." Pollock chose a number called "Jingle Bell Jam."