School spirit – it’s more than just tumbling cheerleaders, dancing mascots or cheering fans. It doesn’t start when the team runs onto the field or the timer chimes. The ferocity of Ram energy starts with the
Colorado State University Marching Band.
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Even after performing on an international stage in Ireland this past spring, the CSU Marching Band plans to put on a bigger and better season of shows than ever.
“The band is just different this year, and I think everyone will see it,” said Megan O’Connor, a flute section leader and senior music education major. “There’s just a different level of focus and intensity.”
Since the band was audition-only this year, membership is lower than last year, but Devon Aimes said it has not hurt their performance at all. Aimes is one of the band’s three drum majors and is a senior business administration major.
“We have a bigger sound and more quality sound, so it’s really good for us,” he said.
Also different from previous years is the marching band’s target audience and music selection.
“We have some really student-friendly shows this year,” O’Connor said. “They’re all things you’ve been hearing lately, all the popular tunes.”
According to O’Connor, these tunes include Macklemore’s “Can’t Hold Us,” Daft Punk’s “Get Lucky” and One Republic’s “Counting Stars.”
O’Connor said the band pushes itself to be better because of the positive response it gets from the CSU community.
“People like us,” she said. “You walk around wearing a CSU Marching Band shirt and people high-five you; it’s not like the stereotype.”
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Upcoming marching band performances:
Sept. 14: Football vs. Cal Poly @ Hughes Stadium
Sept 28: Football vs. UTEP @ Hughes Stadium
Oct. 3: Moby Madness @ Moby Arena
Oct. 11: Homecoming Parade and Pep Rally @ the UCA
Oct 12: Football vs. San Jose State @ Hughes Stadium
College Avenue reporter Kelsey Contouris can be reached at collegeavenue@collegian.com. Look for your issue of College Avenue on racks Sept. 11 in your Collegian!
