At Mississippi State University, one of the many traditions at football games is the Famous Maroon Band.
Elva Kaye Lance, director of bands at MSU, said the band is a major part of the game day atmosphere.
“We are part of the soundtrack for the football game,” she said.
Because MSU used to be a military school for men, there is a long history of drum and bugle corps, even though exact details of early bands are unknown. The first official band was established in 1902. Back then, the band was largely led by students with help from faculty with some background in music.
At first, the band did not require auditions for membership, but the audition process began in 1911. Since those days, the process of operation within the band has changed, but passion for music among members is still present.
Even though the school is no longer restricted to military men, Katie Holsomb, freshman elementary education major, said she has been influenced by the discipline required.
“Coming from a military-style band in high school, I had no idea what I was coming into. This band has taught me a lot of discipline, and I have made so many friends. I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” Lee said.
Lance said the band is made up of 320 members coming from 16 different states. Seventy percent of the band members are from Mississippi; however, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia and Texas are also significantly represented. The Famous Maroon Band is the largest college band in Mississippi.
The band is a competitive program in that each member must audition to earn a spot on the field. One in every four members was a member of his or her home state’s All-State Band. Because of this level of talent, not everyone is accepted.
Victoria Scott, junior biological sciences major and color guard member, said she enjoys being with people who share her interests.
“I like to use my talents for the benefit of the football team and the university as a whole,” Scott said. “I love doing what I do with people who share my love.”
This year, the band will perform a total of four different halftime shows along with the pre-game show. The shows this year include the music of Queen, songs from the ’90s, a patriotic show and a Halloween show.
The themes for the band’s shows and stand music are chosen from recommendations presented by a committee made up of volunteers within the band.
Then, in the spring, Clifton Taylor, associate director of bands, creates any special musical arrangements needed. Jason Baker, percussion instructor, writes the percussion parts for the shows.
The band practices for an hour every day with extended hours for color guard and drum line members. It performs in various exhibition performances and at all home football games.
Smaller pep bands chosen from the full band travel to away games so even in other states, the football team can be supported.
“One of our most important facets of our band program is to support the football team and make game day enjoyable for every fan,” Lance said.

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