MSU’s Famous Maroon Band Ushers in New Tradition for the Upcoming Fall Football Season
In anticipation of the fast-approaching fall football season, Mississippi State University’s Famous Maroon Band is gearing up to carry forward a new tradition they pioneered last season. As the popular halftime sing-along debut resonated with students and fans alike, the directors decided to enhance that tradition with crowd’s favorites tunes – “Sweet Caroline” and “Livin’ on a Prayer.”
A Tradition Born
Last year, the band introduced an inaugural halftime sing-along that captivated both Bulldog fans and students. As the Director of Bands, Elva Kaye Lance, and Associate Directors Craig Arhus and Cliff Taylor watched everyone join in to sing and rejoice, they realized that a new tradition was in the making. “We liked it last year; facing the east, west, and student section. It’s hard to birth a new tradition, but that’s just what we’re trying to do,” Lance explained, “It’s vital to have the students engaged if we want to succeed.”
Exemplifying Diversity and Ambition
With more than 400 band members representing nearly 200 different high schools across 15 states, MSU’s band displays the university’s inclusiveness. Students from every college on campus are represented, with almost 40% of them majoring in engineering. Furthermore, the band prides itself for having 35 legacy members, whose parents, siblings, or grandparents were previously members of the band. The band members represent a diverse pool of students with varied academic backgrounds and career aspirations. Just as they are credited for their musical talent, these students enjoy recognition for their academically power-packed performances, scoring an overall GPA of 3.34 last year, with almost a quarter of them achieving an impeccable 4.0.
Bringing Music to Life
One of the most exciting facets of this tradition has been the well-rounded musical repertoire that the band brings onto the field. Taylor, who prepares the sheet music for the band, thrives on seeing the students inject life into his music sheets. “It’s just incredible to see the music march off the page and come alive,” he shared.
The upcoming football season promises a potpourri of musical delights from Bulldog classics to Latin Jazz and even some captivating numbers from movies and games like “How to Train your Dragon” and “The Legend of Zelda.”
Carrying on A Legacy While Innovating Along
MSU’s Famous Maroon Band’s excellence is not just confined to music. It extends to their ability to manage their academics and extracurricular pursuits, thus transforming them into well-rounded individuals. The Band’s dedication and resilience are a testament to its long-standing tradition that spans almost 120 years. With the new tradition all set to grace the upcoming season, the Band is all set to carve a new niche of delightful experiences for the Bulldog students and fans alike.
