The fans are clapping their hands. The field is set. The stadium waits for these final words,” And now, a performance from the PRIDE!”
The Texas A&M University-Commerce Pride Marching Band concluded another marching season with their 2007 show, themed “Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young.”
The 1970s rock group was a huge hit in their time, and this year the band relived a similar energy as many fans cheered, clapped, and even danced to the powerful marching music.
Alan Mills, associate director of bands, selected the music based on the arrangement of University of Arizona band director, Jay Rees.
“I picked this music to see what this band could do,” Mills said.
This year, 92 students performed in the marching band, but what many University students might fail to realize is that non-music majors, as well as music majors, play with the band. Many hours of practice go into the show, but the rewards are worth the effort.
“Considering that this year was a big transition year for the band, with so many young players, it was a great marching season,” Loren Gray, Pride marching band drum major, said. “I’m glad that, as a senior, this is the way I got to go out, with a great show and a great group of friends and musicians.”
Though it may fun for the musicians, the pressure to execute in front of impressionable groups still lingers.
“There’s an interesting dynamic with marching bands,” Mills said. “The band is the most visible performing area of the music department. We perform in front of a lot of people in a lot of situations. Alumni see us. Prospective students see us.”
He described the marching band to be a barometer for the music department at A&M-Commerce.
“We are representatives of the music program, and of the University. We pride ourselves in being that representative, and we work hard because we want to be ambassadors for this University.”
Performing in the marching band is not only an avenue for musical expression, but as Mills sees it, is an effective way for college students to find their own identity.
“College is a time for students to find themselves. In marching band, it’s a learning process for all of us. We grow together as individuals, and as leaders,” he said.
Ultimately, it all comes back to the hard work of the students.
“I thank all of the students that showed up and worked hard when they didn’t want to,” Mills said. “All of the students that believed in my vision, and who continue to believe in my vision and believe in the greater things to come.”
A McAllen senior, Gray is the head drum major. Brady Potter, a Hurst senior serves as assistant band director.