Now in its 101st year, the Famous Maroon Band, as it is known today, has become an important symbol of Mississippi State University.
But why is the band “Famous?”
According to the band Web site, the origin of the name dates back to 1926. A battle of the bands was scheduled during halftime at an Alabama-Mississippi A&M (as the university was then known) football game.
The two rival bands planned to square off in a contest. The victorious band would receive a trophy, which would be displayed on the campus of the winner.
To the surprise of the Alabama band, the members of the A&M band had purchased new uniforms. These new uniforms- maroon coats and white trousers-broke with the traditional military uniforms that had been in use for many years before.
The 40 A&M band members took the field first. They were met with roaring applause from the fans. They performed so well that the Alabama band refused to take the field.
In honor of its performance, the A&M band was given a new name: “The Famous Forty.”
The band brought the trophy to MSU, where it is still on display in the band hall today.
Now, 77 years later, the band still takes the field as “The Famous Maroon Band.” The band has grown from 40 to about 250 members.
Director of the Maroon Band program Elva K. Lance said she feels it is very important for a band to keep its history and traditions.
“In the 1940s a tradition was started of marching down Lee Boulevard to the stadium,” Lance said. “It was something that I did as a member of the band. It is good for the fans and a great experience for the band.”
As an MSU graduate and a former member of the Famous Maroon Band, Lance said she places sentimental value on many of the traditional customs she came through the program with.
Lance, now in her 12th year at MSU, has continued the tradition.
“Marching down Lee Boulevard and having everyone come out and cheer for us is a great feeling because we know that we are contributing to the game day experience,” said Karen Floyd, a piccolo player in the band.
The Famous Maroon Band has become a fixture of game day atmosphere. One band member said Mississippi State could never be the same without it.
“So often people take the band for granted, but if we weren’t there, at the football or basketball games, the atmosphere would be totally different,” said Jason Murphree, snare drum player.
The band has a strong base. Many return once a year to form the Maroon Alumni Band, another tradition started in 1979.
“Having them come back and see us doing the same things they did as members is a lot of fun, both for them and us,” Murphree said.
The band’s history continues to grow and change. Last year’s members celebrated the centennial birthday of the Famous Maroon Band.
And the highlight in the band’s history happened when it played a special tribute to America after of Sept. 11.
“It was really special to be a part of the first football game to be played after 9-11. When we played ‘God Bless America’ and the crowd sang along it was very touching. I am proud to have been a part of it,” Floyd said.
Another red-letter day may be in the making, as the university considers the building of a new band hall. The band has grown so large that it has outgrown the existing band hall.
“Some of us came from high schools that had better facilities. A new band hall will be a great step forward for the band and the university,” Murphree said.
“We have secured a little over $1 million of the $2.5 million needed to build the new hall,” Lance said.
When the funds are secured, the new band hall and practice field will be built adjacent to the Music Education Building on the new access road running beside McComas Hall.