The Ferris State Marching Bands have been the news of the semester, with their return at the beginning of Football season marking a progression in FSU spirit.
The band has followed the football team throughout their highlighted season, marching on the field during halftime and playing in the stands during the games.
It was announced last spring that the band would make its return and the band began practices in August, playing at several events alongside their station at the Ferris football games.
Now, as the band marches along with the football team into the playoffs, it is time for the program to look toward next year.
On Nov. 16, the band held a “band in review” concert, which allowed the public to see the work the band has done outside of the field.
The concert also allowed the band to hold its recognition ceremony, in which the senior drum major passed the torch to the junior drum major.
A new junior drum major was also selected during this ceremony.
On Nov. 23, the program held a “vintage vibes” concert in which faculty performed music from the 60s, 70s and 80s.
Included in the performance were Professor Matt Moresi, Max Griffith, Zach Potter, Bob Craig and band director Dr. Daniel Atwood.
The concert was intended to fundraise money for the marching band, with just under $1,000 brought in as a result.
According to Dr. Daniel Atwood, the money will be utilized as needed.
“Sometimes we do have to buy new equipment for the band, since it is an all-silver ensemble, most of our brass or saxophone lines need instruments provided for them,” Atwood said. “Other expenses such as travel for things like playoff games or off-campus events, stuff for students, it is going to go wherever we need.”
Atwood further noted that the funds will assist with improvements for next year, allowing the band to focus on the musicality and marching technique, rather than costs.
Ferris has grown its spirit element at football games significantly, with the return of the marching band and the new STUNT team making appearances at halftime to rile up the crowds.
Atwood emphasized the importance of community connection and expressed appreciation for the support that the band has received.
“It has been incredible, honestly. I can’t go anywhere without someone stopping to talk to me about the marching band,” Atwood said. “We have people walk by the bleachers during the game and give a thumbs up and I think that is really important for the students, to have that boost of motivation and see how excited people are about the band returning.”
Biotechnology and forensic biology senior Leah Levandowski expressed appreciation for the marching band and emphasized the importance of the university assisting with funding for arts programs.
“I think that having the marching band brings a lot more spirit into the games, especially with the parades,” Levandowski said. “So much culture that comes with the marching band and things that can be added onto the band. I think that it’s really unfair that arts are not funded like sports are. I think it’s really discouraging, because there is so much that can come from art. There’s a lot that can come from sports, but I feel like you don’t get that same passion that you get sure from the arts. I think there’s a lot of opportunities to expand there.”
Levandowski also noted that if Ferris were to market the arts programs and groups available on the Big Rapids campus, fewer prospective students would miss that these programs are available.
Criminal justice sophomore Lily Morse echoed Levandowski’s statement, explaining that the athletics programs could leave more room for the arts.
“I think the marching band is really helpful. I think it’s awesome to see the school offering more things, varsity and scholarship-wise, that aren’t just for athletes. We love them, but I think it’s really cool to see other students get that chance too,” Morse said. “They definitely are not equally supported, we have a tiny music building and a huge weight room for athletes. I think it would be cool to see us get deep into arts and music in our school, because that can attract a lot of people, and you can open up every gateway for people coming to college. You don’t have to be athletes to come to college.”
Students interested in participating in the marching band next year can reach out to Daniel Atwood at da**********@****is.edu.