Janice Lozano
The Michigan State University Spartan Marching Band (SMB) is one of the most recognizable collegiate bands in the country. The SMB was founded in 1870 and is the second oldest band in the Big 10 Conference. In 1927, the band transitioned from a 65-member ROTC auxiliary to an adjunct of the new department that would become today's College of Music. The SMB is open to all MSU students and offers a unique performance experience and a strong sense of community. The band is currently directed by Dr. David Thornton, a former masters and doctoral student at MSU.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the band | Michigan State University Spartan Marching Band (SMB) |
| Year founded | 1870 |
| Instrumentation | Brass, saxophones, and percussion |
| Number of members in 1927 | 65 |
| Director | Dr. David Thornton |
| Associate director | Dr. Arris Golden |
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What You'll Learn
The Spartan Marching Band (SMB) has around 65 members
The Spartan Marching Band (SMB) at Michigan State University has a long and illustrious history. Founded in 1870, it is one of the oldest collegiate marching bands in the country and is a prominent group within the MSU community. The SMB is known for its unique instrumentation, which traditionally includes brass, saxophones, and percussion, with a notable absence of flutes, piccolos, and clarinets. This instrumentation gives the band a distinctive sound and a uniform look with their silver-plated instruments.
Over the years, the size of the band has fluctuated, and in the early days, it had around 65 members. This number grew and allowed the band to gain prominence. Under the direction of Leonard Falcone, who served as director from 1927 until his premature departure in 1935 due to illness, the band's visibility increased significantly. Falcone's aggressive performance and trip schedule included US Presidential performances and appearances in the Rose Parade and games in the 1950s and 1960s.
During Falcone's tenure, the band also received its first green and white uniforms in 1952 when MSU began playing Big Ten Conference football. The SMB made its Rose Bowl debut in 1954. These appearances and performances contributed to the band's growing reputation and recognition. The SMB's tradition of excellence has been continued by subsequent directors, including Dr. David Thornton, the current director, and Dr. Arris Golden, who serves as the associate director.
Today, the SMB is open to all MSU students, offering them a unique and unparalleled performance experience. The band typically has one drum major for the entire ensemble, but in years when the drum major is a graduating senior, there are two, allowing for a smooth transition. The drum major position is highly coveted and is chosen through a rigorous audition process. The SMB's commitment to excellence and its rich history make it a source of pride and joy for the MSU community and its supporters.
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The SMB is open to all MSU students
The Michigan State University Spartan Marching Band (SMB) is open to all MSU students. The SMB was founded in 1870 and is the second oldest band in the Big 10 Conference. It is one of the most visible and recognisable groups within the MSU community, offering students unparalleled performance experiences and a strong sense of community.
The SMB instrumentation is unique among college bands in the US. It is traditionally made up of brass, saxophones, and percussion, with no flutes, piccolos, or clarinets. The E-flat cornets play the high "woodwind-like" parts, creating a distinctive sound. Over the years, the SMB has gone through several changes in instrumentation. In 1968, for example, flutes and clarinets were phased out as the Spartan Stadium expanded and a louder sound was desired. Today, the SMB provides all instruments to its members, creating a uniform look with silver-plated instruments.
Any MSU student interested in joining the SMB can do so regardless of their major or previous marching band experience. The SMB is a diverse and inclusive group that welcomes students from all backgrounds. The only requirement is a dedication to the band and a commitment to its rigorous rehearsal and performance schedule.
Being a part of the SMB offers MSU students a range of benefits and opportunities. Firstly, it provides a sense of family and community within the large university setting. The SMB is known for its strong traditions and camaraderie, with many lifelong friendships forming within its ranks. Secondly, the SMB offers unparalleled performance experiences, including appearances at home games, the Rose Bowl, and other prestigious events. These performances allow students to showcase their talents and represent MSU on a national stage.
In addition to performances, the SMB provides educational opportunities for its members. Graduate students from the MSU College of Music work closely with the band, teaching and mentoring members in areas such as music arrangement, drill design, and field instruction. These graduate assistants also conduct challenges and auditions, helping to prepare the band for their performances. The SMB also has a dedicated director and associate director, who provide leadership and guidance to the band.
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SMB instrumentation includes brass, saxophones, and percussion
The Spartan Marching Band (SMB) is the marching band of Michigan State University. The band was founded in 1870 and has over 300 members. The SMB instrumentation is notable among college bands in the United States. It traditionally includes brass, saxophones, and percussion, with no flutes, piccolos, or clarinets. The E-flat cornet in the SMB instrumentation is reminiscent of the standard British brass band tradition. Cornets play the high "woodwind-like" parts.
The SMB's brass section is a key part of its instrumentation. Brass bands are musical ensembles that consist primarily of brass instruments, often with a percussion section. In the British tradition, a full complement of players includes 2 or 3 percussionists and 9 cornets in B♭. The SMB's brass section likely includes a range of brass instruments such as trumpets and trombones. The cornet, a type of trumpet, is a notable instrument in the SMB's brass section.
The inclusion of saxophones in the SMB's instrumentation adds a unique colour to the band's sound. Saxophones are not typically found in marching bands, but they provide a rich and full tone that blends well with the brass and percussion sections. The saxophones in the SMB may include different types such as alto, tenor, and baritone saxophones, allowing for a range of sounds and harmonies.
The percussion section in the SMB is also an essential component. Percussion instruments provide the backbone of the band's rhythm and beat. In marching bands, percussionists often play a range of instruments such as bass drums, snare drums, cymbals, and glockenspiels. The SMB's percussion section likely includes a variety of instruments to enhance the band's overall sound and performance impact.
The SMB's instrumentation has evolved over time. For example, flutes and clarinets were phased out in 1968 as Spartan Stadium expanded and more sound was desired. The current director of the SMB, Dr. David Thornton, a former masters and doctoral student at MSU, continues to shape the band's traditions and sound. The SMB is known for its energetic and dynamic performances, and its unique instrumentation contributes to its distinctive style and reputation.
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SMB's first director was Professor B.G. Edgerton in 1907
The Spartan Marching Band (SMB) of Michigan State University has over 300 members. The band was founded in 1870 as a 10-member student-led group, shortly after the establishment of the Michigan Agricultural College (now Michigan State University).
In 1885, the band was reorganised as a cadet military band, becoming a unit of the College Cadet Corps. However, it had no designated director and reported to the Cadet Corps officials. In 1907, following a band strike, MAC President Jonathan LeMoyne Snyder appointed A.J. Clark as the first director of the band. Clark was a chemistry faculty member who taught chemistry and directed the band simultaneously.
Prior to the appointment of A.J. Clark, the SMB's first director was Professor B.G. Edgerton in 1907. Professor B.G. Edgerton, also known as Papa Flash, was a prominent figure in the history of the SMB. He was a professor of electrical engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and played a pivotal role in transforming the stroboscope from a specialised laboratory instrument into a widely used device. Edgerton's contributions extended beyond the laboratory, as he was deeply involved in the development of sonar and deep-sea photography. His equipment was utilised in collaboration with Jacques Cousteau in their endeavours to locate shipwrecks and explore the mysteries of the sea, including the search for the Loch Ness Monster.
Edgerton's association with the SMB left a lasting impact. In 1907, he led the band in a performance before President Theodore Roosevelt, marking a significant milestone in the band's history. This event showcased the band's talent and paved the way for future opportunities.
Following Professor B.G. Edgerton's leadership in 1907, the SMB continued to evolve and thrive under subsequent directors. The current director, Dr. David Thornton, is a former masters and doctoral student at MSU, carrying on the tradition of student involvement in the band's leadership.
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SMB's current director is Dr. David Thornton
The Michigan State University Spartan Marching Band, also known as the SMB, has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. While the specific number of students in the band is not readily available, we can learn about its leadership and evolution over time. The SMB's instrumentation is unique among college bands in the United States. Traditionally, it comprises brass, saxophones, and percussion, with a notable absence of flutes, piccolos, and clarinets. This instrumentation gives the band a distinct sound and a uniform look with silver-plated instruments.
The SMB's current director is Dr. David Thornton, a talented individual with a strong connection to Michigan State University (MSU). Dr. Thornton was previously a master's and doctoral student at MSU, and he also served as the assistant director of the SMB during the 2015 and 2016 seasons. His appointment as director continues a long line of notable directors who have shaped the SMB into the renowned band it is today.
One of the earliest directors of the SMB was Professor B.G. Edgerton, who led the band in performance before President Theodore Roosevelt in 1907. The band was also led by students and military officers during this early period, including cornetist I.E. Hill. In 1927, Leonard Falcone became the director, a position he held for 40 years. During his tenure, Falcone transformed the band from a 65-member ROTC auxiliary into an adjunct of the department that would eventually become the College of Music. He also increased the band's visibility through numerous performances and trips, including appearances before US Presidents.
Following Falcone's tenure, the SMB continued to thrive under various directors. In 2018, Dr. Arris Golden became the associate director of the SMB and assistant director of MSU Bands. The SMB also has graduate assistants and instructors for visuals, color guard, and percussion. These graduate assistants are often MSU College of Music students who contribute to various aspects of the band's performances, from music arrangement to teaching on the field.
Under the leadership of Dr. David Thornton, the SMB carries on its legacy of excellence and tradition. With its unique instrumentation, talented directors, and dedicated student members, the SMB has become an integral part of Michigan State University's culture and a source of pride for the entire community. The band's performances continue to entertain and inspire, leaving a lasting impression on audiences and members alike.
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Frequently asked questions
The Michigan State University Spartan Marching Band started off with 65 members in 1927. However, it is currently open to all MSU students.
The Michigan State University Band is called the Spartan Marching Band (SMB).
The SMB was founded in 1870.
The SMB traditionally includes brass, saxophones, and percussion, with no flutes, piccolos, or clarinets.
The SMB has had numerous directors over the years, including A.J. Clark, Frederick Abel, J.S. Taylor, and Carl Kuhlman.
