KSU’s Marching Owls are soaring through the fall semester and taking the program to new heights.
The band consists of approximately 250 KSU students playing instruments and the color guard. All positions were filled through an audition and try-out process. Practice is three times a week on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m., with Associate Director of Bands Dr. Debra Traficante keeping a strict schedule and never keeping students past time.
The Marching Owls premiered for the first time at the first KSU home game against Edward Waters on Sept. 12, where they performed their show titled, “State of Mind.” The show included a remastered version of Ray Charles’ song “Georgia On My Mind,” as well as “Empire State of Mind,” by Alicia Keys. The show ended with “God Bless America” and “America the Beautiful” to highlight the anniversary of Sept. 11.
Bianca Anderson, a member of the color guard, joined the Marching Owls her senior year. “We move pretty fast,” Anderson said. “It’s a really exciting time to be an Owl.”
The band will only be attending the six home games this year, but hopes to have the funds to travel to away games next year to support the football team. Even though the band is only performing at six games, each game will have a different performance.
The Marching Owls celebrated the 50th anniversary of The Who for their second performance at the game against Shorter. The band is currently working on a Spanish themed show, titled “Latin Fiesta.”
Associated Band Director Dr. Debra Traficante guides and directs every detail of the Marching Owls. She is on the brass staff for the 2015 Boston Crusaders and as the Conductor of the KSU concert band. “We’re really blessed with great directors,” Anderson said of Dr. Traficante. “Dr. T has done so much for our band.”
At games the band plays the halftime show, but also plays music in the stands. “I think they help raise student’s spirits,” KSU junior Julien Benjamin said. “They were really engaging with the crowd.”
“We love the student section,” Anderson said. “It was almost as if they had been at practice with us.”
The Marching Owls are also wearing brand new and freshly designed uniforms, with the marching band logo and the signature “KS” logo to create a universal and professional look.
For the first time, KSU’s Homecoming parade will include a marching band. “In the past there has never been a marching band, so seeing those 250 members marching around campus playing our fight song will add that missing element,” Anderson said.
The Homecoming parade is set to take place around KSU campus on Friday, Oct. 9 at 4 p.m. Come out and see the Marching Owls at the Homecoming game on Saturday, Oct. 10 for their pre-game concert at 11 a.m.
