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The impact of Marching Band by Jessica

Jessicaof Logan's entry into Varsity Tutor's December 2013 scholarship contest

The impact of Marching Band by Jessica - December 2013 Scholarship Essay

I participated in marching band for all four years of high school. For those who do not fully understand what marching band is, it is a time intensive sport. Yes, a sport; try jazz running with a Tuba. Luckily I only played Trumpet, but still my arms would ache after holding it up, my lips would feel dead, just useless flaps of skin, and I would just feel drained all over after drilling basics and roll-stepping for hours on end. Playing an instrument, roll stepping to keep tone, hitting your dot, and keeping the formation at the same time, is a lot of hard work. Marching band has impacted my life in so many ways.

Marching band really becomes your life. You get up at five in the morning so you can be ready and on the field at six o’clock ready to practice. Whether it rained, snowed, or was blazing hot; we marched until school started, but we had band for first period anyways so we stayed out on the field. I remember wearing ski bibs, boots, a thick coat, and gloves, marching in the early morning with six inches of snow and more coming. We would keep our mouthpieces warm inside our pockets and occasionally warm our hands on the warm skin inside our coats, so our fingers would still function enough to press the keys on our instruments. Marching band was hard, and if all it included was just marching, no one would ever join, we stayed for the people and the good times.

Special bonds are formed under the wan moonlight at six in the morning, empathizing with each other’s complaints and glaring covertly at the band director for telling the famous lie “One more time.” We even had “penguin huddles” where we would all huddle together when it was freezing outside and take turns being in the middle. To tell the truth most mornings were miserable but band trips were always a blast.

Band competitions where the best, the first month after school started, there seemed to be one every week. Sometimes the competitions were during school, which made for a fun day away from classes where we would spend time crammed onto a bus playing games and eating food. The actual competition was always nerve-wracking, but as soon as it was over we all breathed a sigh of relief, unless you REALLY messed up. Band trips were always the greatest, where the funniest things happened, and you got to spend at least five hours hanging out with friends.

All my friends were pretty much in band. If I had stopped taking band, I do not know where I would have hung out before school, or after school, or when I would even see my friends. My section also became my pals. I loved my underclassmen as they were so fun, and I must say we were an awesome trumpet section. I have learned so much from being around band people/ my band family. After spending hours on end with the same people, the band becomes your family, quite literally some times because you may see the people in band more than your real family.

As you can see, band was important to me. Band was full of friends, and fun people. I loved playing my trumpet with everyone else and getting the chills when the music meshed together to create something marvelous. Because of the people I met, the experiences I had, the confidence I gained, and the laughs I had, I am the person I am today. I still have a great love for music and keep those great friends and I have learned much about music and the terminologies used by band geeks. I learned some stuff maybe I would have been better without; but for the most part band was very rewarding although being quite a challenge at times, and I am so glad I stuck through with it to the very end. Band has impacted my life as much as a meteor would to Earth; it becomes a big part of your life, in fact it becomes your life.

Does Marching Band Look Good on a College Application?

Marching band is a popular extracurricular activity for many high school students. It offers a unique combination of music, teamwork, discipline, and performance. But does participating in marching band actually look good for college admissions? In this article, we will provide an in-depth analysis of the topic and explore the various aspects of how marching band can enhance your college application.

The Value of Extracurricular Activities

Before diving into the specific benefits of marching band, let’s first understand the general importance of extracurricular activities in college admissions. Admissions officers look for well-rounded students who have demonstrated a commitment to their passions and have actively engaged in activities outside of the classroom.

According to a survey conducted by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), extracurricular involvement is considered a “considerably important” factor in the admissions process by 75% of colleges and universities. This means that participating in extracurricular activities, such as marching band, can certainly make a positive impact on your college application.

The Benefits of Marching Band

Marching band offers a wide range of benefits that can enhance your college application. Let’s explore some of the key advantages:

1. Leadership and Teamwork

Marching band requires strong leadership and teamwork skills. As a member of the band, you learn to work with others towards a common goal, develop effective communication skills, and understand the importance of collaboration. These skills are highly valued by colleges and can be highlighted in your application essays and interviews.

2. Time Management and Discipline

Participating in marching band requires a significant time commitment. Balancing rehearsals, performances, and academics teaches you valuable time management skills. Additionally, the discipline necessary to practice and perfect your musical skills demonstrates your dedication and work ethic to college admissions officers.

3. Musical Proficiency

Marching band provides an opportunity to develop and showcase your musical abilities. Whether you play an instrument or participate in color guard, colleges appreciate students who have a strong musical background. If you plan to pursue a major or minor in music, marching band experience can be particularly valuable and can strengthen your application.

4. Community Involvement

Marching band is often deeply rooted in the local community. Participating in parades, halftime shows, and other performances allows you to contribute to your community and showcase your talents to a wider audience. Colleges value students who actively engage with their communities and make a positive impact.

FAQ for Does Marching Band Look Good for College

1. will participating in marching band give me an advantage in college admissions.

While there is no guarantee of admission, participating in marching band can certainly give you an advantage. It demonstrates your commitment, leadership skills, and ability to balance multiple responsibilities. However, it should be noted that colleges consider a holistic view of each applicant, taking into account various factors beyond extracurricular activities.

2. Should I prioritize marching band over other extracurricular activities?

The answer to this question depends on your personal circumstances and preferences. If you are passionate about marching band and it aligns with your future goals, then it may be worth prioritizing. However, it’s important to maintain a balance between your various activities and commitments. Admissions officers value depth and commitment, but they also appreciate a diverse range of experiences.

3. Can marching band scholarships help me pay for college?

Yes, some colleges and universities offer scholarships specifically for marching band participants. These scholarships can help alleviate the financial burden of college tuition. However, it’s important to research and apply for these scholarships early as they may be competitive.

4. Can marching band be considered an academic extracurricular activity?

While marching band is primarily focused on music and performance, it can also have academic components. Many high school marching bands require students to maintain a certain GPA or participate in music theory classes. Additionally, some colleges may consider marching band as an extracurricular activity that demonstrates dedication and discipline, which are important qualities in academic settings.

Conclusion for Does Marching Band Look Good for College

Participating in marching band can indeed look good for college admissions. It offers numerous benefits such as leadership development, teamwork skills, time management, musical proficiency, and community involvement. However, it’s important to remember that colleges consider a holistic view of each applicant and value a diverse range of experiences. Ultimately, the decision to participate in marching band or any other extracurricular activity should be based on your passions, goals, and personal circumstances.

So, if you have a passion for music and enjoy being part of a team, marching band can be a valuable addition to your college application. Embrace the opportunities it offers, showcase your talents, and let your dedication shine through.

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Articles & Advice > College Athletics > Blog

Top 4 Reasons to Join Your College Marching Band

A student at Clemson University shares everything she loves about being in the school's marching band. And why you should think about joining yours too!

by Georgia Krendel CollegeXpress Student Writer, Clemson University

Last Updated: Mar 16, 2023

Originally Posted: Apr 8, 2017

Last spring, like most other high school seniors, I had a huge decision to make: what college would I attend next year? After a lot of research and endless college visits, I finally made my decision. I decided to attend  Clemson University  in South Carolina. Choosing Clemson was the best choice I’ve made in my life thus far. I love it here. My second-best decision was joining Clemson’s marching band, aka Tiger Band. When most people hear the words “marching band” they automatically assume it’s “lame” or “nerdy.” Those people could not be more wrong. Tiger Band is quite the opposite—it’s full of amazing football, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and great friends. Here are just a few highlights of my experience so far and reasons why you might consider joining your own school’s marching band!

1. Supporting the team

When I joined Tiger Band, I knew a lot of my free time would be spent at college football games . I’ve heard a lot of good things about college football, but nothing prepared me for this experience. There’s nothing quite like a game in Clemson’s Death Valley; the team’s entrance isn’t called “the most exciting 25 seconds of college football” for no reason! Tiger Band allowed me to go to all the home games hassle-free: no waiting to get tickets and no waiting to go into the stadium. Not only was I able to go to all the home games, I was also able to go to all of the away games. What’s better than cheering on your favorite team all over the country with 365 of your best friends? The marching band in some ways an extension of the football team because it brings the hype and energy athletes often need to stay in their competitive mindset. You’d really be a part of something bigger!

Related: The Ultimate Guide to Tailgating in College

2. Making new friends

What college freshman isn't worried about making new friends at school? Tiger Band allowed me to make friends even before classes started. Throughout band camp, I built relationships with all different kinds of people. And you don’t need to be a Music major to be in band. Most of my fellow band members are studying Engineering or Biology or English. Within a week I had already made more friends than I thought possible in such a short amount of time. I have met some of my best friends because of marching band, and I honestly think that I will be friends with them for the rest of my life. Music is such a great way to connect with other people, and what better way to make new friends in a new place than by a shared passion in music and a common goal.

3. Traveling to new places

I traveled to Florida three times strictly because of Tiger Band. I went to Arizona for the semifinal playoffs. Tiger Band allowed me to travel to five states in one season (Alabama, Georgia, and North Carolina in addition to the previously mentioned two). Some members even got to fly to Boston for a game. My band did a lot more traveling this year than other bands may have, because our football team has gone “all the way.” So while not all bands with travel as much if their team doesn’t make it to the finals, you’ll definitely get to go a few places you wouldn’t have otherwise. Now you may think that these trips are all work and no play; however, there’s more to it. Yes, the main reason for going on these trips is to bring spirit to the football games and support the team, but there’s also a fair amount of free time built in. Usually we have time to go to dinner with friends, hang out, or just explore the town.

4. Game-day atmosphere

There is nothing on Earth like game day in Clemson, South Carolina. Games in Death Valley are second to none. I can’t advocate for other college bands, but Tiger Band starts off every home game day the same—with rehearsal. Then it’s time for the real fun to begin. We gear up in our uniforms and head out to the amphitheater for our pre-game concert, where we play some music for Tiger fans. After this comes my favorite part about game day—the parade down the hill to the stadium. We line up and begin the parade, and there are screaming fans wherever you turn. Nothing beats the feeling of seeing little kids in Clemson gear reaching out their hands for a high-five. Once the parade is over, we go into the tunnels and hang around for a bit before running onto the field to perform our pre-game show (and then later at halftime). But that feeling you get running out of the tunnels and onto the field in the beginning of pre-game is like no other. Playing Tiger Rag in front of 80,000 people as the football team runs down the hill is truly an indescribable experience. And while not every colleges traditions will be the same, every college certainly has them, and any game-day atmosphere you get to be a part of will sure to be electrifying.

Related: A Look at the Biggest College Athletic Conferences

The experience you get from joining a school marching band is second to none. You get to support your college, make friends, travel, and perform in front of thousands of fans. You get to combine a passion for music with a spirited energy to be a part of something truly special. 

For more fun blogs like this about sports, check out our College Athletics section.

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About Georgia Krendel

Georgia Krendel is a freshman Political Science major at Clemson University. She is originally from Lynbrook, New York. She plays the trombone in Clemson’s marching band, pep band, and concert band. She played in her high school’s jazz band, pit orchestra, orchestra, and wind ensemble. In her free time she likes to snowboard, horseback ride, and travel. Georgia has been riding horses since she was seven years old and has been showing competitively since she was 12. She played softball through high school as well as volleyball for multiple travel teams.

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Study Like a Boss

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Marching Band Essay

Being shielded by Hollywood, society views band members as the weird geeks in school. What most do not think about, are the benefits that band members gain from being in such a tight social group. Famous movies, like American Pie, make it hard for band members to express to the world all of the great things that marching band has to offer. It is hard for most to look past the stereotypical marching band geek and envision the advantages of being in marching band.

There were many times when I would begin to discuss my experiences in marching band, and I would be cut off in mid-sentence by someone quoting the famous line from American Pie, “This one time at band camp.. . ” I felt as though I was being ignored and immediately placed into a stereotype that was certainly not indicative of my personality. I knew that I was not the only one with this problem . Being around other members of the band, I would always hear talk of people getting picked on and placed into the category of band geek.

Before joining band, myself, I could have possibly been classified as a jock who pushed others around and picked on them. In seventh grade, my brother joined the middle school band. This was the start of a new beginning for me. My perspective of others started to broaden slightly by being exposed to some band members who were my brother’s friends. Three years later, when I entered seventh grade, I decided to join the middle school band and play the trumpet. I finally was a part of the group that I had been mocking for years. This was a large step for me.

I was about to embark on a tremendous journey that would completely change my perspective on life. I would start to realize, as I became closer to the other members, that band students are not all the geeks that they are made out to be. While some members are a little quirky and some of the things that I did in band were a little weird, I truly discovered all of the great things that band has to offer. As soon came to realize, members of marching bands gain valuable character traits, leadership skills, and academic benefits that help them excel in life .

Towards the end of my high school career, and soon after entering college, heard a lot of adults and future employers saying that it is important to be a great leader. Fortunate enough for me, marching band taught me how to be an effective leader . After a few years in marching band, I was chosen to be the section leader of the trumpets. A position of this magnitude requires a great deal of leadership abilities, abilities at which I was not yet very proficient. In the marching band at my high school, we had an assistant band instructor who is in the Army National Guard and an assistant technician who is a former Marine.

With these two around, our band operated in a very strict manner. At first this seemed to be a bad thing because the level of intensity that was expected of us as members was extremely high. Now, looking back at my experiences, I am able to appreciate what these two gentlemen provided me. In my first year as section leader, the former marine held a three-day mini leadership camp. This camp was the groundwork for my leadership journey. I learned valuable leadership skills that I still use today.

I feel as though if it were not for the band’s high level of intensity, I most likely would not have attended a leadership camp, and I would know much less about how to be an effective leader. My roommate and former band member, Evan Morris, in an interview stated that he too felt that marching band provided him with a great deal of leadership skills. When asked about any leadership gains from being in marching band, E. Morris (personal communication, November 15, 2015) said that he “learned how to deal with people who had conflicting leadership views.

He said that he feels this is something that he will be able to carry with him as he enters the work-force. His experiences as a leader, as well as my own, are slightly different than students in other bands who had a more relaxed atmosphere. For the months of August through October, we would spend every Saturday at band competitions. We soon came to realize, as we observed the ways that other band members acted, that the way a band is operated has an impact on the students. We would notice band directors taking charge and extinguishing any spark of leadership among the students.

Although this may help their band excel at competitions, this did not teach the students anything about leadership. The thing that helped Evan and I, was being able to put our leadership knowledge into practice. Although marching band may provide every student with leadership skills, the quality of skills that each student gains depends on the quality of the music program. At my high school, there is a slight correlation between the academic standings of students and their participation in band.

For me, marching band provided direct, as well as indirect, tools to help me excel in my academics. While in marching band, I was always being told by my instructors that playing music increases your math skills and ability to learn. At the time, I always thought that my instructors were saying these things to increase morale, but now, after looking back and after researching some findings of scholars in the field, I see that playing music did have an effect on my academics.

One way that I feel marching band helped my academics indirectly was through the relationships that I made with other members of the band. Most of my friends were in band, so I was comfortable talking with them and asking them to form study groups with me. Since most of these friends were in a lot of the same classes as me, we were able to discuss tough subjects with each other so that we could better grasp hard concepts. E. Morris (personal communication, November 15, 2015) said that e felt that his involvement in marching band made his “academics easier because [he] would always have a study partner. ”

I feel that one of the hardest parts about forming study groups is finding people who are willing to work with you and have the time to work with you. Since everyone in my study groups were band members as well as close friends, it made it easy to work together. You could always find time, before or after band practice, to talk to each other. Agreeing with E. Morris, I too feel that this made my academics much easier.

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Top College Marching Band Programs

11 of the Best Marching Band Programs in the Country

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Mark time mark! These marching band programs from around the country are known for their impressive shows, marching technique, and musicianship. You may have seen them in parades, during half-time shows, or performing with some big-name stars. Many of these bands have opportunities for students who aren't music majors , so even if you're studying chemistry, engineering, or fine art, you are welcome to audition for these great bands. Most importantly, all the bands listed here balance band practice with studying--your education always comes first. The programs here are listed alphabetically by school, so there are no arbitrary distinctions between rankings.

The IU Marching Hundred - Indiana University

Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images Sport/Getty Images

The “Marching Hundred” Marching Band was founded in 1896. Made up of woodwinds, brass, percussion, and “The Redsteppers” dance line, the band performs at all football home games (IU is a member of the Big Ten Conference ), a few away games, and several other special events on and off campus. Students are either placed in the main block or the reserve block, determined after an audition at the summer band camp. Students do not have to be music students to join the band—the majority of band members are actually non-music majors.

• Location: Bloomington, IN
• Uniform: Red top with white trim; red bottom; red and white hat with white plume
• More Information:  School Profile  | Program Website
• Admission:  GPA, SAT, ACT Graph

The Sonic Boom of the South - Jackson State University

2C2KPhotography/Flickr/CC BY 2.0

Jackson State’s “Sonic Boom of the South” is well known for its high energy performances. The band plays for halftime shows for Jackson State, and, in the past, for selected NFL games. The band is headed by five drum majors, and accompanied by a dance team known as the “Prancing J-settes.” The 250-member band is composed of brass, winds, and percussion. Their repertoire of upbeat, modern music is always impressive and entertaining.

• Location: Jackson, MS
• Uniform: Blue, black, and white top; black bottom; white hats with white plume
• More Information: School Profile  | Program Website

The Pride of the Buckeyes - Ohio State University

Prayitno/Flickr/CC BY 2.0

OSU’s band is set at 225 members (33 of them being alternates) and the instrumentation is entirely brass and percussion. There is also the Athletic Band, made up of woodwinds, brass, and percussion. This band plays at varsity sporting events, with the exception of their fall football games--the Marching Band performs at those games. The Athletic Band is also open to any interested students, whereas the Marching Band is audition-only. Both bands have a long legacy of high-energy, high-quality performances.

• Location: Columbus, OH
• Band Size: 225
• Uniform: Navy blue top; navy blue bottom; peaked cap with gray and red plume

The "All American" Marching Band - Purdue University

David Bergin/Flickr/CC BY 2.0

The Purdue University marching band, formed in 1886, was originally 5 members. Now, with over 370 members, the band includes woodwinds, brass, percussion (drumline), color guard, and twirlers. Purdue is known for its singular twirling line-up: the “Silver Twins,” the “Girl in Black,” and the “Golden Girl.” These twirlers are highly-sought after positions and are often considered the band’s ambassadors. The band was the first to break line ranks, to form a letter on the field (now a common practice, with much more intricate drill routines). The “Block P,” started in 1907, is now a signature move of the band, performed at every football game.

• Location: West Lafayette, IN
• Band Size: 370
• Uniform: Black military style, white caps with white plumes

The Human Jukebox - Southern University and A & M College

2C2KPhotography/Flickr/CC BY 2.0 

Known as the “Human Jukebox,” this college marching band is highly regarded, and has won several awards for its playing and marching performances. Composed of winds, brass, full drumline, and the nine “Dancing Dolls,” this band is highly energetic and marches complicated drill patterns with a polish and flair. For the past 60 years, the Human Jukebox has performed in a number of parades, halftime shows, and, more recently, commercials and music videos. They have a strong fan base and were recently named one of the top bands in the country by USA Today.

• Location: Baton Rouge, LA
• Band Size: 230+
• Uniform: Navy and light blue top; navy bottom; white and navy hat with white plume, gold half-cape

The Fightin' Texas Aggies - Texas A & M University

Stuart Seeger/Flickr/CC BY 2.0

This woodwind, brass, and percussion band is the largest military marching band in the country. Students in the band must be a member of the Corps of Cadets in order to be in the “Fightin’ Texas Aggies,” as the band is commonly known. Known for incredibly complex drill maneuvers and precision marching, this band maintains its high standards for all incoming and returning students. Students are required to audition for the band and are encouraged to attend the “Spend the Night with the Corps” event, to learn about the band. 

• Location: College Station, TX
• Band Size: 400
• Uniform: Traditional “Corps of Cadets” uniform
• More Information:  Program Website

The Marching Illini - University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign

William Murphy/Flickr/CC BY-SA 2.0

The “Marching Illini” consists of around 350 members, (including the drumline and guard) with a portion of that group playing the pre-game and half-time shows at home football games. Students in the band are not required to be music majors; the MI boasts members from every academic discipline on campus. Students are required to audition for the band, both in music and in marching, and then, once admitted, must enroll in the marching band course for credit. There are plenty of opportunities to travel, as the MI performs at various games and events around the state--at college games, high schools, and National Football League games.

• Location: Champaign-Urbana IL
• Band Size: 350
• Uniform: Navy blue top with orange cape; navy blue bottom; white/navy hat with navy plume

The Michigan Marching Band (MMB) - University of Michigan

Brad Muckenthaler/Flickr/CC BY 2.0

The Michigan Marching Band is composed of woodwind, brass, and percussion, with a full color guard. The “Performance Block” performs the pre-game and half-time shows at football games; the “Reserves” join this group to play in the stands during the games. With a stellar drumline, classic formations, and a rousing song repertoire, Michigan's marching band is a tough act to follow. 

• Location: Ann Arbor, MI
• Uniform: Blue, yellow, white top; blue bottom; white hat with blue and yellow plume
• More Information: Program Website

The Trojan Marching Band - University of Southern California

Itsacherrylife/Flickr/CC BY 2.0

The Trojan Marching Band consists of woodwinds, brass, full percussion drumline, and color guard. They currently perform at over 350 engagements year, including (in recent years) international travel. Membership numbers vary, and a contingent of the band plays at every football game, both home and away. They have performed in several films, TV shows, and live events, including the Superbowl, the Grammys, and the Oscars. With only about 30% of the band members being music majors, any students who play an instrument are welcome to audition for the world-renowned group.

• Location : Los Angeles, CA
• Band Size: 300+
• Uniform: Cardinal red, yellow, and white top; cardinal red bottom; Trojan-style helmet with cardinal red plume

The Longhorn Band - University of Texas - Austin

Klobetime/Flickr/CC BY-SA 2.0

The Longhorn Band incorporates woodwinds, brass, percussion, and a full color guard in their energetic and enthusiastic ensemble. The band performs at all in-state football games, many other athletics events, and various pep rallies and parades throughout the school year. Students do not have to be music majors to participate in band, however, students in the band will be enrolled in a year-long course for the band.

• Location: Austin, TX
• Band Size: 380
• Uniform: Burnt-orange and white top; burnt-orange bottom; white cowboy hat

The Pride of the Southland - University of Tennessee

Joel Kramer/Flickr/CC BY 2.0 

One of the oldest collegiate marching bands in the country, the “Pride of the Southland” was founded in 1869. Part of the military department of the university, the band was originally strictly cornets; now it is comprised of brass, winds, percussion (no bells or xylophones), a full color guard, and majorettes. The band is split into pep bands, taking turns playing at all home games—both in the stands, and during halftime—away games, and several special events on- and off-campus.

• Location: Knoxville, TN
• Band Size:  300
• Uniform: Navy blue top with orange overlay; navy blue bottom; white and orange caps with white plume
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UM to host Athletic Band Symposium with over 100 colleges

by NBC Montana Staff

The University of Montana will host the annual Athletic Band Symposium, with over 100 colleges from across the country, from May 29 to June 1. Photo: University of Montana

MISSOULA, Mont. — The University of Montana will host the annual Athletic Band Symposium, with over 100 colleges from across the country, from May 29 to June 1.

The symposium will feature a series of all-day meetings, workshops, presentations and social events.

The symposium is held at a different campus annually, to showcase band facilities to members of the College Band Directors National Association.

The University of Montana sent out the following:

Marching band directors representing over 100 colleges from across the country will flock to the University of Montana this week to attend the annual Athletic Band Symposium, hosted by the Grizzly Marching Band and the College Band Directors National Association from May 29 to June 1.

This year marks the first time UM will host the symposium in its 20-plus year history, drawing around 200 college band professionals to campus for a series of all-day meetings, workshops, presentations and social events.

“This is the first time a smaller school has held it. That’s a feather in our cap, to host this national conference,” said Kevin Griggs, UM director of athletic bands and associate director of bands. “It’s a great opportunity for people to come and see what we have to offer here.”

The symposium, which will gather college band representatives from the University of Southern California, Michigan State University, the University of Mississippi, Vanderbilt University and others throughout the nation, offers the chance for professionals in the field to network, discuss various issues and topics, and bounce performance ideas off one another.

Attendees mostly will consist of college band directors, but some industry sponsors, graduate students and UM Grizzly Marching Band members will attend as well. The schedule includes drill writing sessions, a talk on gender inclusivity in athletic bands, an open forum for graduate students and a dialogue on student mental health.

There’s also a talk on how to reduce damage to instruments caused by in-game pyrotechnics – a natural hazard of the athletic bands trade.

Held on a different campus each year, the symposium also allows host universities to showcase its band facilities and resources to CBDNA members. Griggs said he was thrilled when UM was selected to host this summer.

“We stack up favorably against pretty much almost anybody in the country – not only the marching band, but the entire game day production and quality of our athletics programs,” Griggs said. “What we’re doing is very much like the bigger schools.”

The symposium will include tours of UM’s band and athletic facilities, like UM’s world-class Washington-Grizzly Champions Center and Stadium – where the Grizzly Marching Band performs to 26,000-plus spectators – as well as excursions throughout the greater Missoula community and up to Flathead Lake.

The event also is an opportunity for UM to promote its degree programs to other college band professionals with students seeking to continue their education with a graduate degree. UM offers a Master of Music program with advising tracks in performance and composition, as well as a Master of Music Education program.

The Athletic Band Symposium comes on the heels of a successful year for the Grizzly Marching band, which helped rally the Griz Football Team to the Football Championship Subdivision National Championship last year. The band joined the team in Frisco, Texas after the Griz community helped raise $200,000 to send the band to the big game.

Fans can expect to see the band out practicing on the River Bowl a week before the fall semester begins in August. To support the Grizzly Marching Band, donations can be made through the University of Montana Foundation.

Black marching bands will head to Southern California for annual show

There’s nothing quite like watching a historically Black college’s marching band rouse a crowd during halftime — except, perhaps, six HBCU marching bands performing back to back.  

Last year, Alabama State University hosted the Honda Battle of the Bands , making it the first college to host the event on campus. The next show is scheduled for Feb. 1, 2025, at SoFi Stadium, bringing the event to California for the first time, and tickets are now available.  

“It’s big for HBCUs, not just ASU, to get on that particular platform and to have that type of audience where it’s all bands,” said James Oliver, the director of bands at Alabama State. “It’s not football, it’s not soccer, it’s not baseball, it’s not anything with athletes, it’s all bands.”

Southern California will get something it has “never seen before,” Oliver said. “The bands in the south and over in the east part are entertaining bands. That’s what we do: We entertain our audience.”

This annual show has become folded into HBCU culture since it began in 2002. The event is part of a 35-year commitment from the automaker to invest in HBCUs because of their economic impact on Black people and communities. 

“Supporting society is more of an ecosystem,” said Yvette Hunsicker, vice president of corporate social responsibility and inclusion and diversity at Honda. “You have to get to the root cause to shift trajectories. We need to meet people where they are and give them the opportunity for different outcomes.”

Honda also provides support to students beyond the stage through the Battle of the Bands and its partnership with Thurgood Marshall College Fund. Through Honda’s “Drive the Legacy” initiative launched in January, the company extends educational and career opportunities to some HBCU students.

This year, Honda pledged a $500,000 commitment to HBCU band scholarships through its partnership with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. 

Honda’s “main thing is to help HBCU students,” Oliver said. “For me to be that close to what they were doing and what they were thinking about and the interviews that I had a chance to do because I was with them, it was amazing. So they are a part of my students’ career.”

For more from NBC BLK, sign up for our weekly newsletter . 

CORRECTION (May 23, 2024, 9:57 a.m.): A previous version of this article misidentified a university’s marching band in a photo caption. It is Alabama State University, not Arizona State University. 

Danielle Layton is a New York-based multimedia storyteller and freelance journalist currently working as the associate production manager for NBC and MSNBC Creative Marketing.

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WATCH: Purdue All-American Marching Band Shines Again at 2024 Indianapolis 500

Dustin schutte | may 27, 2024.

• Purdue Boilermakers

The green flag waved much later than expected, but the 108th running of the Indianapolis 500 didn't disappoint. But prior to the excitement of Josef Newgarden winning his second consecutive race at the world's most famous track, the Purdue All-American March Band helped kickstart the event.

Purdue's marching band has been a staple of Indy 500 pre-race festivities for decades. Sunday, the group waited through a four-hour weather delay to give 350,000 fans and spectators a show before the start of the race.

Below are some of the highlights from Purdue's day at the racetrack.

Better view of Purdue’s band! @WISHNews8 #Wish500 pic.twitter.com/tAUIIvtLnE — Hanna Mordoh (@HannaMordoh) May 26, 2024

According to Purdue's website, "The Purdue 'All-American' Marching Band has been the official band for the Greatest Spectacle in Racing since 1919. Only having missed 3 races in the last century, the AAMB remains a staple sound and sight for Indy 500 pre-race festivities."

The Purdue All-American Marching Band was actually on the track early in the morning for pre-race festivities. Then, as lighting, wind and rain swept through the Indianapolis area, they were forced to wait for one of the biggest moments of the day.

Purdue’s band is on the track @WISHNews8 #WISH500 pic.twitter.com/PFsfVReLss — Hanna Mordoh (@HannaMordoh) May 26, 2024

Before the start of each Indianapolis 500, singer Jim Cornelison takes the microphone and performs Back Home Again in Indiana . The Purdue All-American Marching Band accompanies the singer for this iconic pre-race moment.

Yes, obviously Cornelison steals the show with his voice, but the Boilermakers also do an excellent job on the instrumental portion of the song. Here's the clip from Sunday's race:

It NEVER gets old. Jim Cornelison performs “Back Home Again in Indiana” in front of a thrilled #Indy500 crowd. pic.twitter.com/Xh3P925yxL — INDYCAR on NBC (@IndyCaronNBC) May 26, 2024

"The Band famously accompanied the iconic Jim Nabors on 'Back Home Again in Indiana' starting in the 1970s," the website reads. "They now perform the historic song with Jim Cornelison just moments before the start of the race."

The Purdue All-American Marching Band was on hand for another thrilling Indy 500 finish. Newgarden and Pato O'Ward continued passing each other in the final laps of this year's event. At the end, though, it was Newgarden who prevailed to claim a second consecutive checkered flag at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

WHAT A FINAL LAP! Josef Newgarden and Pato O’Ward battled to the end in the 108th running of the #Indy500 . pic.twitter.com/0QqbcbnfYl — INDYCAR on NBC (@IndyCaronNBC) May 26, 2024

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Morgan state university marching band to perform at d-day memorial parade in paris.

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Morgan State University's marching band is set to perform at the annual D-Day Memorial Parade in Paris.

It's a major honor for the Magnificent Marching Machine and a first for any Historically Black College and University.

"This is huge for Morgan State University and huge for an HBCU," said Jorim Reid, the band's director.

Reid will lead 110 band members and their instruments to Normandy for the commemoration of D-Day.

"This is huge for Morgan State, one, being that there are Morganites that served. There are Morganites that served after World War II that will be traveling with us that are near and dear to us," Reid said.

Reid sees this as an opportunity for students to experience another part of the world. This is a significant trip for Tory James, the head drum major.

"Going across the country, (I) never thought I would do that in my band career. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. (I'm) glad that I can be a part of it," James said.

The trip holds special meaning for Kyra Scott, a drummer in the band.

"My great-grandfather actually fought in World War II as well and met my great-grandmother. That's important for me, as well, and (to) honor everybody else in America," Scott said.

Reid also has a personal connection to the event as his grandfather served in the army during World War II.

"He entered Europe through Normandy, went to England and that's where they trained," Reid said.

As the head drummer, James will be in command on the field.

"I'm the person in command on the field. I basically run the band, the show," James said.

The band will leave for Paris on June 6 and stay through June 12 with plans to perform "Stars and Stripes" and "Tribute to America."

After nearly 30 years (and thousands of students), UD's first female band director leaves

• Heidi Sarver, director of the University of Delaware Marching Band, retired this month after nearly 30 years.
• She was the first female director of the marching band in UD history.
• Sarver led the marching band for a final time at Delaware Stadium after UD football's rainy loss to Villanova Nov. 18.

After nearly 30 years leading the University of Delaware Marching Band, Heidi Sarver became emotional as she left her office in the heart of campus for the last time earlier this month.

Memories flooded her mind after boxing up almost three decades of college life as she faces retirement, reliving all of the cornerstone UD moments she experienced and gave to about 3,000 students over the years.

When she got to her car, she realized there was one more classic UD moment right in front of her: a parking ticket under her windshield wiper.

"You can imagine my reaction: 'You have got to be kidding me!'" she says with a laugh. "I stopped crying when I saw the parking ticket guy. The tears from seeing the empty office kind of stopped flowing."

Sarver, also director of UD's Symphonic Band and a professor of music, was the first female director of the marching band in UD history and has welcomed a former student of hers as her replacement, Brooke Johnson.

Graduating senior Andrew Steinberg, who was a drum major and also played trumpet for the marching band, says "Sarv," as she is simply known, is leaving a sparkling legacy in her wake.

"She has impacted the lives of thousands of people, literally, and made their university experience special," he says. "And she is also being succeeded by an alumna and a fellow female band director, which is also really special."

When it comes to UD's new streak of women leadership for the marching band for the first time, Sarver says, "I don't know, it looks like we got a thing going on here at Delaware."

Sarver led the marching band for a final time at Delaware Stadium after UD football's rainy loss to Villanova Nov. 18 and did the same for the symphonic band just last week.

All that was left this week was a final round of grading for her music class ahead of Saturday's commencement.

After a long, emotional year of goodbyes and "lasts," she decided to skip commencement this year and go visit friends in Florida instead.

"I took the easy way out on that one," Sarver says. "It's hard enough to leave."

Sarver was surprised last Thursday at her final career concert, held at Puglisi Orchestra Hall in the Roselle Center for the Arts, when UD President Dennis Assanis appeared and honored her with the UD Medal of Distinction.

It is the university's highest non-academic award given by the the Board of Trustees. It recognizes "individuals who have made humanitarian, cultural, intellectual or scientific contributions to society; who have achieved noteworthy professional success; or who have given significant service to the University, community, state or region."

It capped a career on campus which began in 1995 after "Delaware made an offer I couldn't refuse," she told DelawareOnline/The News Journal in 1996.

The fresh-faced first-time college band director, who had previously served as assistant director of bands at Temple University, was already armed with her infectious enthusiasm.

"I make a living doing exactly what I love to do. How many people can say that?" she told the newspaper at the time.

So what made her leave the job she loved at the age of 60? Her financial advisor called and told her she was able to retire a few years earlier than planned if she wanted. It took her two days to decide to step down and pass her baton.

"This job is very physical and I'm broken," she explains, listing all the proof, including five joint replacements and ongoing lower spine issues. "Sooner or later, something bad is going to happen."

She told the marching band, which has grown from about 100 to 300 members during her tenure, about her decision at their first meeting of the year in August, leaving both students and herself feeling all the emotions.

UD TRAFFIC ALERT Police advise drivers to avoid UD area in coming days for commencement traffic

UD TUITION INCREASE University of Delaware approves 4% tuition hike, braces for 'per-student tax' bill

"You could hear a pin drop and then the silent tears started falling down faces," says Sarver, who then received a standing ovation from the band. "And that was kind of the end of me."

Steinberg says the moment was a surprise to seniors like himself and freshman alike.

"She just kind of dropped it on us and shocked everyone. There was a mixed reaction," he says. "Some people were happy for her and some were upset because you never want a professor like that to leave, but it has to happen someday."

Sarver's fingerprints will remain on the band and not just through the lessons she has already imparted on returning underclassmen.

She will be designing next year's shows not only for UD, but also writing shows for three other university marching bands in the region, which will keep her busy this summer before her planned trip to New England to enjoy fall foliage for the first time in a long time.

After 36 total years of teaching, she realized she wasn't quite ready to give it all up. Even so, she's looking forward to retirement.

But as she puts it, "I've only seen the leaves change on the backdrop of a football stadium. And now I'm going to be a leaf-peeper, I guess."

Have a story idea? Contact Ryan Cormier of Delaware Online/The News Journal at [email protected] or (302) 324-2863. Follow him on Facebook ( @ryancormier ) and X ( @ryancormier ).

The Key Points at the top of this article were created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and reviewed by a journalist before publication. No other parts of the article were generated using AI. Learn more .

SC State University named one of best online colleges in South Carolina

SC State Online offers six fully online degree and certificate programs, as well more than 100 online courses.

ORANGEBURG, S.C. – South Carolina State University has been ranked among the state’s best accredited online colleges for 2024 by EDSmart, an organization committed to aiding learners in fulfilling their educational and professional aspirations.

“Overall, South Carolina State provides accredited and affordable online degree programs with flexible pacing and student services catered to adult remote learners,” EDSmart stated in a news release.

Through the Center for Online and Distance Education (CODE), SC State offers several undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs fully online:

• Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a concentration in public administration.
• Master of Business Administration in healthcare management.
• Education Specialist in educational administration.
• Doctor of Education in educational administration.
• An undergraduate certificate in professional writing.
• A graduate certificate in addiction and trauma.

CODE also provides administrative leadership for online and distance education, faculty development and continuing education. SC State University’s Blackboard Learning Management System is administered under the direction of CODE.

“This recognition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence in education,” CODE Executive Director Bettina Mozie said. “As of Fall 2023, we offer a total of six programs and over 100 individual courses to include general education for online learners. 

“Collaborating with on-campus colleges and departments, we’re actively expanding our online offerings,” she said. “Our online platform isn’t just a convenient alternative; it's a transformative space where students engage in meaningful learning experiences, collaborate with peers, and are supported by dedicated educators.

Mozie said CODE provides a virtual learning environment that mirrors the university's quality and rigor of traditional face-to-face courses.

“This achievement is a result of the collective dedication of the CODE team, faculty, instructional staff, and students who have embraced innovation, adaptability, and a passion for knowledge,” she said.

EDSmart ranked schools based on four data points in three categories:

• Salary After Attending
• Affordability (average net price)
• Student Satisfaction (retention rate)
• Student Outcome (4-year graduation rate)  

Each data point was ranked and scored against all other school data points in the ranking. Schools then received a composite score for the scores mentioned above and ranked accordingly--100 being the highest score possible.

“As online degrees become more prevalent, it is important to recognize the colleges and universities that go above and beyond,” said Tyson Stevens, managing editor of EDsmart. “Our goal is to highlight these schools and their commitment to higher education.”

All data were gathered from the National Center for Education Statistics website as of November 2023.

“As we celebrate this achievement, let us remember that this ranking is not an endpoint but a milestone on our continuous journey of improvement,” Mozie said. “The Center for Online and Distance Education will remain committed to refining and enhancing our online programs, ensuring that we stay at the forefront of educational innovation and continue to meet the evolving needs of our students.  

“Together, we will continue to shape the future of education, breaking barriers and providing accessible, high-quality learning opportunities for all,” Mozie said.

For more information, please visit SC State’s online website at scsuonlineed.com/ .  

Daily Southtown | Tinley Park honors veterans, recognizes youth…

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Daily southtown | tinley park honors veterans, recognizes youth essay winners at memorial day ceremony.

But it did Richton Park Retired Chief Petty Officer Robert J. Welch’s heart good to see the Principe family of Mercy, 9, Levi, 7, Lukas, 5, Joy, 4, and Hudson, 1, sitting in the front row Monday. Welch spoke at the 2024 Memorial Day Ceremony at General Patrick E. Rea Veterans Plaza in Tinley Park with the children listening to what he had to say.

Welch, a heavily decorated veteran who serves with many veterans groups and is a engineering equipment manager with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, said younger people need to be involved and understand the meaning of Memorial Day.

“Memorial Day is not just another holiday,” Welch said. “We need to pass along our knowledge to the next generation so that they may do the same. We must ensure that the youth of tomorrow understands the true cost of freedom.”

Aside from the Principe family of Tinley Park, there was a smattering of youth among the several hundred in attendance.

But there were also a pair of young essay winners who shared their wisdom.

Emma Dix of Cardinal Joseph Bernardin School in Orland Hills, read from her Patriots Pen essay, that centered on the pride she feels living in the United States thanks to those who fought and died for the country.

“Our great country, America, inspires me because of its freedom, rich history, natural beauty and people who make up this wonderful nation that I call my home” she said.

“As I get older, I obtain great responsibilities that are my duties as a citizen to fulfill.”

Dix said she is looking forward to the day when she can vote and have a say in the world that is around her.

“In some countries, people don’t have these liberties,” Dix said.

Tinley Park High School junior Benjamin James also hit hard on the right to vote in his Voice of Democracy essay.

James is involved with tennis, golf, mathletes, scholastic bowl, chess, the National Honor Society, the marching band, the symphonic band and jazz band.

He also runs a lawn care business and is a lifeguard.

“The right to vote for elected officials is the foundation of American democracy and is considered one of the most essential attributes of the United States political system,” he said.

“Since the establishment of the United States of America, the right to vote of elected officials has been very prevalent.”

Sofia Barrios, of St. George School, also was a Patriots Pen essay winner but couldn’t attend the ceremony.

The ceremony also featured comments from Veteran Commission Chairman William Douglas Rasmussen III and Tinley Park Mayor Michael Glotz.

There was a battlefield cross ceremony, a flag ceremony, the playing of taps, the presentation of a wreath in memory of all fallen veterans and music provided by the Tinley Park Community Bank. Mandy Barry sang the “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

The 2024 veteran banner honorees were named. They will have their photos on light posts in the community.

They are Daniel Bachara, Louis Bachara, James Black, Michael Bubacz, Kevin Clarke, John Domina, Thomas Dukes, Eddie Durham, Savio Gonsalves, Timothy Keating and Kryi Kirk.

Also honored were Peter Laurinaltis, Robert Allen McAllister, Richard Miller, Gerald Nichols, Edward James Novak, Gerald Petrow, W. Douglas Rasmussen III, Anthony Sorrentino, Edward Stolinski, John Turas and John Wegrzyn.

Welch emphasized that those who lost their lives should never be forgotten.

“Generation after generation has been fortunate enough to reap the benefits paid for by those who believe that freedom is worth fighting for and, if necessary, dying for,” he said.

“In cemeteries across American and around the world today, people will pause to spread flowers on the graves of those lost in war. But today should not be about sorrow.”

He said what it should be about is a phrase Gen. George Patton used in 1944, when he said that “We should thank God that such men lived.”

“That is what this very special day is all about, being thankful that such brave men and women have lived,” Welch said.

Jeff Vorva is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown

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Classical musicians have limited options to play professionally, so some turn to the U.S. military.

Those who emerge successfully from the audition process must then endure boot camp.

For several months, musicians train as soldiers without any access to their instruments.

Managing to secure a full-time job with a premier military band can be transformational.

Supported by

She Landed One of Music’s Great Gigs, but First Came Boot Camp

Premier military bands offer rare stability for classical musicians, who consider them a strong alternative to traditional orchestras. But signing up means shipping out.

By Sarah Diamond

Photographs by Christopher Lee

Sarah Diamond and Christopher Lee followed a military band audition in West Point, N.Y.; several days of basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.; and a concert in North Salem, N.Y.

The 4,300-seat performance space about an hour north of Carnegie Hall was eerily empty, except for nine judges in uniform sitting behind a thick black curtain.

Ada Brooks, her mouth dry from nerves, lifted the bell of her euphonium, a smaller relative of the tuba, and prepared to play the notes that could determine her future.

“Breathe,” she thought. “The beginnings are the most treacherous part.”

Ms. Brooks had told herself this before. Her fervent pursuit to professionally play the euphonium, which is not used in traditional symphony orchestras, had come with many stressful auditions. This one was her 10th for the institution that calls itself the nation’s largest employer of musicians: the United States military.

Time and time again she had practiced and prepared and tried to remember to breathe. She was turned down repeatedly or offered jobs in regional bands. Now came an opportunity for a premium position, a rarely open seat in the prestigious West Point Band.

Some aspects of the audition — like playing for a jury hidden behind a curtain, to guard against potential bias — would be familiar to most orchestra musicians. Others were unique to the military. Two of the other four candidates said they had to lose weight to qualify, and the finalists were tested for coordination in marching drills.

Scores of regional military bands represent the armed forces at ceremonies, parades and holiday celebrations. About a dozen premier bands, including the U.S. Military Academy’s ensemble in West Point, N.Y., perform at inaugurations and foreign dignitary visits.

Seats in the premier bands are particularly attractive, providing job security and steady pay — the starting salary is about $70,000 — along with health care and other benefits. Those who win them tend to stay for many years, if not their entire careers.

Ms. Brooks had been practicing three hours a day in Denton, Texas, using high-end recording equipment in her living room to identify imperfections in her pitch or tempo.

At the audition, she was confident and precise while playing excerpts from works by Schoenberg, Ralph Vaughan Williams and Shostakovich, as well as from the soundtrack of “Raiders of the Lost Ark” by John Williams.

At one point, a judge asked if she could “be more declamatory.” She repeated a few measures. After she played Boismortier’s Sonata No. 12 with the band’s principal euphonium player, Staff Sgt. Christopher Leslie, one of the judges barked: “I think you can do a better job matching his style and intonation. One more time.”

Boismortier’s Sonata No. 12

In the end, Ms. Brooks was one of two finalists asked to play additional excerpts and to sit for a face-to-face interview with the judges. The final question came from the band’s conductor, Lt. Col. Daniel Toven: Why is your dream to be in a premier military band?

Ms. Brooks paused.

“As you probably know,” she said, “euphoniums don’t have a lot of options.”

There was a burst of laughter.

After careful deliberation, Sergeant Leslie delivered the verdict. She was in.

Well, almost. Ms. Brooks had to complete more than two months of boot camp before she would become an Army musician.

A Music Mission

Ms. Brooks, 27, was introduced to the euphonium by her eighth-grade band teacher in Columbia Falls, Mont. At the time she thought it “was just a less cool tuba,” as she put it, and nobody was concerned about the limited career opportunities.

By 10th grade, she had made the all-state band and was no longer planning to study math, science or physics in college. She was now determined to play the euphonium professionally.

She spent $7,000 on a euphonium and two years at Interlochen, a performing arts high school in Michigan. Ms. Brooks then earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music performance at the University of North Texas, where she made an eight-year commitment to the Air National Guard Band of the Southwest, eager for part-time experience playing music in a military setting.

When Ms. Brooks’s unit was deployed unexpectedly to the border of Texas and Mexico as part of Operation Lone Star , many of the musicians quit. “Our band shrunk to half of its original size,” she said.

During her 10-month deployment, Ms. Brooks worked from midnight to 8 a.m. in the armory issuing weapons. Many of her bandmates provided water to crossing migrants and sat with them until Border Patrol agents arrived. She lived in a hotel, which made it hard to prepare for auditions.

“I was practicing my instrument out in my car,” she said. “It was really miserable.”

Military life can be a shock to musicians, most of whom have no prior experience with the armed forces.

“We have to wear a combat uniform to play the tuba, it’s a little weird,” said Staff Sgt. Alec Mawrence, a tuba player in the West Point Band. “Eventually, your head is shaved and you’re screaming, ‘Yes, drill sergeant.’”

Rifles, Not Instruments

The sun had not yet risen over the Ozark Mountains in south central Missouri, but the trainees in Company B, 3rd Battalion, 10th Infantry Regiment were already marching. It was early January and cold — 1 degree — and tendrils of mist hung over the unit.

“I left my home to join the Army,” the trainees sang in unison.

“I Left My Home to Join the Army”

Ms. Brooks — now Specialist Brooks — had thought the daunting experience would be well worth it, saying earlier that “basic training is no big deal compared to 20 years of a performance job.”

But now, after six weeks at Fort Leonard Wood and with five more to go, Specialist Brooks looked exhausted. She liked morning bugle call and rifle training, especially the precision, which reminded her of practicing her instrument. Less enjoyable was standing for hours in the cold and eating abnormally fast.

“While I’m here, I practice my jodies, my marksmanship,” she said, referring to the call-and-response cadences sung while marching or running. She could not bring along her euphonium, and tried not to think about it. “It feels like a whole different life,” she said. Most of the trainees were unaware she was a musician.

A quiet perfectionist, Specialist Brooks had a hard time with the barrage of reprimands that are the hallmark of basic training. Her coping mechanism was to smile, prompting the drill sergeants to snap, “Brooks, hide your teeth!”

“I wasn’t sure how I would handle getting yelled at,” she said. “But then you realize that they’re not actually angry. They just do that all the time.”

When the company reached the armory to pick up rifles for range training, the shivering trainees stood at attention. “Soldier’s creed!” a drill sergeant shouted.

“I am an American soldier,” Specialist Brooks responded, with her unit. “I stand ready to deploy, engage, and destroy the enemies of the United States of America in close combat.”

Music and the military have long been intertwined. For centuries, drums have been used to set the pace of marches. Fifes and drums were used to communicate on the battlefield before radios. The country’s first military band — the United States Marine Band , known as “the President’s Own” — was formed by an act of Congress in 1798.

Loras John Schissel, a senior musicologist at the Library of Congress, said that during the Civil War, band members would put down their instruments, take up their weapons and fight — and then resume playing. By the early 20th century, music was considered important for military morale.

“Music,” he said, came only “after food, water and ammunition.”

Direct exposure to combat has become increasingly rare for military musicians, but it is not unheard-of. In 1941, all 21 musicians aboard the battleship Arizona died in the attack on Pearl Harbor while passing ammunition to the ship’s guns. On Sept. 11, 2001, the U.S. Army Band helped with search and rescue at the Pentagon.

Quiet Confidence

The possibility of battle is one reason musicians get the same training as infantry soldiers. So on another freezing morning during basic training, Specialist Brooks and 136 other soldiers prepared to rappel down a 40-foot-high wooden structure known as the Confidence Tower.

During a mostly silent 1.5-mile march to the tower — talking was prohibited — the loudest noises were the crunch of frost beneath boots and the swish of camo fatigues against heavy packs.

Cut off from music in boot camp, Specialist Brooks would hum Gustav Holst’s First Suite in E-flat while running laps. Before she arrived, she transcribed song lyrics, including “Dog Days Are Over” by Florence + The Machine, into her notebook so that she would have a radio in her head. While packing for a field exercise, she and her roommates sang the show tune “It’s the Hard-Knock Life.”

On the march to the Confidence Tower, a cadence Specialist Brooks had been required to yell many times was stuck in her head.

Sitting in my foxhole sharpening my knife out pops the enemy had to take his life die kill ’em die kill ’em Why won’t you die?

“I like the singing part, but the violence is a little shocking to me,” she said later.

By the time the trainees reached the tower, two had been disqualified for marching too slowly. Several others could not complete the small training wall nearby. Specialist Brooks, a rock climber and caver, was unfazed.

The wind shook the tower, and the wood creaked. As Specialist Brooks reached the top, one drill sergeant sitting near the drop-off called out to another: “You take Esophagus.” It was an affectionate nickname the instructors had given her, a play on “euphonium.”

Specialist Brooks knelt by the edge at the top of the tower. Unconcerned about hiding her teeth, she broke into a grin.

Throughout basic training, she tried not to dwell on what she was missing most from her home near Dallas: Baking her favorite blueberry muffins with chia seeds. Lingering over a cup of coffee. Watching a movie on the couch with her dog and her three cats, Kiwi, Biscuit and Momo.

When it was time for Specialist Brooks to leave Fort Leonard Wood, her boyfriend arrived with her euphonium. She played a solo even before eating her first meal off the base.

‘Tax Dollars at Work’

In April, two months after she finished boot camp, Sergeant Brooks, who was promoted to staff sergeant after graduation, was at a school in North Salem, N.Y., for her first concert as a member of the West Point Band. She had rehearsed with the group twice and was now nervously adjusting the ornate pin on the lapel of her black blazer.

“Does this look straight?” she asked. Glancing at her full concert uniform in a mirror, she said, “It’s exciting and weird to see yourself dressed like this.”

The repertoire for the concert was chosen to trace West Point’s legacy. By the time the band reached “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” the crowd was cheering and singing along.

The conductor, Colonel Toven, wrote in his master’s thesis that music helped the Army accomplish its public affairs mission of engendering trust and confidence among citizens. “These are your tax dollars at work,” he said proudly during a mid-concert speech.

After “The Official West Point March” and a rousing encore of John Philip Sousa’s “The Stars and Stripes Forever,” Sergeant Brooks’s first concert with the band was over. She looked elated and relieved.

“The Official West Point March”

As the musicians mingled with enthusiastic audience members, Sergeant Leslie found Sergeant Brooks. “Congratulations,” he said, with a collegial nod that was far from his neutral facade as a judge at her audition eight months earlier. Sergeant Brooks, holding a bouquet of flowers, beamed.

She clutched at her collar and asked a bandmate, “Is anyone else warm in these uniforms?” As her adrenaline began to fade, she said that playing alongside these military musicians felt surreal: “It’ll take a while to get over the impostor syndrome.”

Sarah Diamond is a Times audio producer, based in New York. She also writes a biweekly column, Word Through The Times . More about Sarah Diamond

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