The Famous Maroon Band is larger now than it has been in its entirety of existence.  
       Elva Kaye Lance, director of bands since 2002, said the band has seen a steady incline in enrollment as they have expanded their events and activities to better serve the students.
   “In the past five years, our enrollment has hovered between 315-335. This year our enrollment is at 375.  As Mississippi State has expanded its national reputation as a leading university, our numbers have mirrored that growth,” Lance said.  
  Lance said the band recruits from both state and regional band programs. She said the students represent a multitude of majors and the band works hard to retain their members.
   They are often involved in a myriad of activities and hold leadership positions across the campus. We want to structure the demands of our program in such a way that they can continue to be involved as they move through their academic programs.”  Lance said.  
  Lance said the band works very hard to be well organized.
“We have an overall leader for each section, and a squad leader for every seven members,” Lance said. “We want to provide our students with a positive experience.  In addition to successful performances, that also includes providing a healthy social experience as well.  We want our students to feel that they have joined a close-knit family that has been a part of our university history for more than 114 years.”
   Lance said the band hopes their increased enrollment gives them more opportunities as they lead the crowd cheering on the Bulldogs.
   “Our 2016 enrollment is comprised of students from 14 different states and from 180 different high schools, Lance said.” “Our students serve as our best recruiters so as they return to their hometowns, we want them to be able to share positive experiences about their membership in the Famous Maroon Band and life at MSU.”  
   Lance, however, doesn’t want to take all the credit. 
 
  “Although I am director of bands, this is a team effort. We have an unusual model of instruction in that all three of our directors are actively involved in all areas of our program.  The Associate Directors and I are called upon to serve in a variety of roles:  teacher, administrator, conductor, and recruiter,” Lance said.
   She said  they also serve as the liaison for the program with MSU Athletics, alumni and prospective students and their parents. 
   Lance is nearing her 25th year as a member of the band faculty. She explained the many facets of the band.
   “Our Wind Ensemble conducts a recruiting performance tour of selected schools in the southeast each October, and basketball pep band begins in late Fall.  In the spring, we have four concert bands, jazz band, and two basketball pep bands.  All of these logistical arrangements must be in place.  It is truly a team effort,” Lance said.  
   As far as what the expansion of the band means for her, Lance concludes, “As the enrollment of the band increases, obviously so does the work load as more students require more detailed planning. In order to provide our students with a positive experience, it is imperative that we are well-organized in the way we handle instruction, distribute items and manage our student membership.”
   Brittany Carey, one of four drum majors for the Famous Maroon Band, said she has enjoyed the band’s growth.
 “We are so excited to have a band this large and be able to produce an impactful sound for each of our shows,” Carey said. “We think it is exciting that more and more freshman want to call Mississippi State home, and we have the opportunity to grow in musicianship and just in size. You always have a friend in the band.”  
   Carey said her favorite part of being a drum major for the band is being able to create a different experience in the stadium each  time they play.
   “Between playing Battle Hymn in the streets and being able to play the fight song in the stadium and hear all of the cowbells behind you ringing along, it is really cool. It’s cool to hear the whole stadium yelling, ‘Go state!’ when you play the music for the cheer,” Carey said.
   Sophomore percussionist, Mercer Murphy, said while appreciative of the “family”-like atmosphere being a member of the band brings, does not share the same outlook of the rapid expansion of this band family. 
   “It’s great to have a big band, especially for a big school; however it’s because we take in whoever wants to join rather than actually cutting anyone from the program,” Murphy said. “The saying ‘you’re only as strong as your weakest player’ is especially true in marching band. Unfortunately, we don’t have that great of a sound because we don’t only accept the best of the best.”
   Though Murphy has her frustrations with the band, she does appreciate the leadership skills and self-discipline being a member of the band has taught her, as well as the band helping her “break out of her shell.”       
  While learning self-discipline through the band, Murphy said she has also learned sacrifice.  Murphy is busy balancing a job, school and band from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. 
     Murphy said it is hard to fit all of her obligations in. She said it is tough to practice on the weekends while others are going out of town.
    “Essentially it’s really busy because, of course, we all want to relax after classes, Murphy said. “However, it’s nice to have that stress relief of just playing music with my friends.”