“Daring to be different” is the motto of the N.C . State marching band, a mantra they’ve managed to live up to. One can witness just how different they are in a single football game. Aside from just the traditional college themes, the band also incorporates popular songs and classics into their lineup,including both new music and classics. They have been known to play Jimmy Buffet, Kenny Chesney, Ke $ha and Pink, and are planning upcoming shows featuring Queen, Elvis and Sinatra.
“One of the things that we try to do with our marching band is switch it up,” band director Paul Garcia said. “I don’t want us to be pigeonholed as a set style of group on a consistent basis. Instead, what I’d like for people to do is recognize that we do different styles constantly.
“We are constantly changing things up and bringing something fresh. Probably the one thing that I would want them to recognize consistently is the fact that we are entertaining and we’re just a very high energy group.”
To gain a little more appreciation for the marching band, take a second to imagine a football game without them. Without the fight song, the catchy tunes from the stands, and especially the halftime entertainment, football would be a lot less spirited. Dancing to “Jump on it” or the “Cupid Shuffle” is definitely part of the fun of football games.
Joseph Moyer, a senior in business administration and drum major, recognizes that the band plays an important role in college football.
“It’s our job to get [the crowd] excited and ready to go for the game,” Moyer said.
Adding to their list of impressive feats, “The Power Sound of the South” memorizes their music, allowing them to perform every show effortlessly and with confidence.
Alex Albright, a sophomore in animal science and member of color guard, said that this year the band seems to be getting more recognition, especially from fans at football games.
“[I like] pregame,” Albright said. “That’s what gets the crowd fired up the most. Most people don’t really pay attention to half time, even though I wish they did because we do some pretty interesting stuff there as well.”
Although most people associate the marching band with athletics, in all actuality, the band represents the entire university. Apart from sporting events, the band has had the opportunity to play for President Obama, the Boys & Girls Club of Raleigh, and two years ago they played in the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Dublin, Ireland.
In late October, the band will be playing for the Flight of Honor. The Flight of Honor flies veterans to Washington D.C . to see the World War II monuments that were created in their honor. When they return from their trip, they will arrive to a hero’s welcome, and the N.C . State marching band will be there helping make that possible.
“[It’s an] opportunity to say thank you and ‘welcome back,'” Garcia said. “That way they understand that we have a true appreciation for what they gave us.”
Judging from the wide range of music and events that they play, one thing is clear: the marching band can do it all. Their versatility allows them to have some fun with their music, and it opens up a lot of great opportunities.
They never fail to reveal something innovative to surprise their audience, whoever that may be. Whether you are 13 or 70, you can count on them to play something you will likely enjoy.
