This upcoming year will mark ETSU’s largest marching band ever, totaling 250 members.
Previously this record was held by the band from the late 1970s with approximately 180 members. In 2003, the marching band disbanded with the football team, with 63 members. Then in 2015, the marching band was reformed as the ETSU Marching Bucs with 163 members. It has only continued to climb from there.
The average rate of students enrolled in a marching band nationally is about 1% of the undergraduate population. Based on such a statistic, ETSU’s band would have only about 130 members. The fact that our band has twice that amount is a great feat, accomplished by instructors who plan out engaging activities and by students who are dedicated to their craft.
Joe Moore, Director of Athletic Bands, said, “I feel that the sense of family, the ability to give back, the pride in their performances and the fun and camaraderie they experience are all keys to the success of the ETSU Marching Bucs.”
A sense of community has been fostered within the Marching Bucs that allows for students to not only grow their musical abilities but also be more connected with the university.
Sophomore clarinet player Kayla Story said, “I think we have something special that a lot of organizations might not have. Dr. Moore has really created an inclusive environment that anyone from any walk of life can come home to. It’s not necessarily about the music all the time… Not only do I get to play music, but I get to spend time in a welcoming environment with essentially a huge family.”
I’m sure the band will continue to grow, and I urge students to get involved in ways that will both hone their skills in things they love to do and form connections with those who share their same passion.
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