The Colorado State University Marching Band will be out in full force to support the Rams in their home finale when they take on Boise State on Friday, Nov. 29. What’s more, the timing of this game means that the band will be giving up their fall break to perform on-field.
Housed in the School of Music, Theater and Dance in the College of Liberal Arts, the 240-member marching band includes members representing every college on the CSU campus. This season marks the first time since 2013 that CSU has hosted a Friday game during fall break. Band members will return to campus for a Thursday rehearsal prior to the Friday game performance.
Campus-wide cooperation
This rehearsal and performance schedule initially created a few logistical issues, since some residence halls and most dining halls will be closed until 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1. Director of Bands Rebecca Phillips and Assistant Director T. Andre Feagin worked with staff in Housing & Dining Services to make housing arrangements for those band members who live in the closed residence halls. They also strategized on how to feed all members of the band through the long weekend and planned a Fall Feast for the full band on the evening of Thursday, Nov. 28. The festive meal will also serve as the band’s annual end-of-season banquet.
The result of these efforts? The dedication of the marching band to their campus and community is clearly going to be on display this weekend.
Also on display? The power of partnership, since many of the activities with the band’s return to campus will be supported by Canvas Credit Union, whose $37.7 million gift in 2018 gave the statewide credit union naming rights to CSU’s on-campus stadium.
“We are thankful to the students of the CSU Marching Band and their incredible support of the Rams football team this season, including at this final game of the season during fall break,” said Phillips. “I’m also thankful to Canvas for being such great supporters of the university, and for their support of the band students through sponsorship of the Fall Feast this Thursday evening.”
Busy week for the band
The football game kicks off an extremely busy week for the band. On Thursday, Dec. 5, the band will march around campus in their annual Parade of Lights Preview. Their performance will begin and end at the Iris & Michael Smith Alumni Center at Canvas Stadium and be followed by a reception with free refreshments.
The following night, the band will march in the 9News Parade of Lights in downtown Denver. CSU’s is the only collegiate band included, and the Rams lead the way for the entire parade.
