The Glen Cove High School ‘Big Red’ Band has been selected to participate in the New York City Veterans Day Parade Friday.

Teens will be marching under the direction of Nick Carbuto, whose bands have marched in numerous New York City Columbus Day Parades, the Salute to Israel Parade and the Gator Bowl Parade and halftime show in Jacksonville, FL, according to a news release.

“The band was chosen due to my connection to the Veteran’s Aid Foundation, a group dedicated to raising money for vets coming back from Iraq/Afghanistan who need assistance beyond what the military/government provides,” said Carbuto. “When they became aware of my background, having done these types of performances, I received the invite.”

The ‘Big Red’ Band is doing more than just representing Glen Cove. According to Carbuto, they are the only Long Island high school band marching in the televised parade.

“Both the students and I feel honored to be included in this event,” said Carbuto. “It doesn’t get better than a New York City Parade, especially with TV coverage. Of course, there is no guarantee that we will be filmed, but we’re excited about the possibility.”

Veterans Day is already meaningful for Carbuto, whose father, Al Carbuto, was a Marine Corps Sergeant in the Pacific during WWII. A professional musician and composer, Sgt. Carbuto’s war-time song, “Get Your Gear On,” was later adopted by the First Marine Division as its official marching song, according to a news release.

This is the first New York City parade for Glen Cove High School, according to Carbuto, who says the band is very excited to be part of such a high profile and prestigious event.

“I have the pleasure of working with some of the finest young adults that Glen Cove has to offer,” he said. “As I look across the band on a daily basis, I see the future leadership of our communities, corporations, government, etc. And they are fun to be around as well! A special thanks to our building (Dr. Hinton) and central office (Dr. Laria) leaders for allowing me to pursue this opportunity.”

Along the parade route (up 5th Avenue, from 26th Street to 56th Street), the band will perform a medley of patriotic music led by Student Conductors Alison Abrams and Tommy Cammisa, according to the release. The school’s award-winning Kickline and Varsity cheerleaders are ccompanying the 115-member band.

The parade is airing on Fox-5, Nov. 11, at 11:00 a.m.