Contact: Bethany Shipp
STARKVILLE, Miss.—Mississippi State’s Famous Maroon Band has been selected to give a juried presentation of its “They Rocked the Hump” halftime show at the upcoming conference of the College Band Directors National Association and National Band Association Southern Division.
Bringing together college, high school and middle school bands from across the region, the conference takes place Feb. 29-March 2 at the University of Memphis. The Famous Maroon Band is one of only four university bands selected by a panel of jurors to give a presentation.
The halftime show was performed in fall 2023 and featured songs by international music stars Billy Joel, Tina Turner and Lynyrd Skynyrd. The concept originated from a “Classic Rock” show proposal by the band’s student-led show selection committee. Since renovations of the university’s Humphrey Coliseum were nearing completion at the time, band leaders incorporated The Hump—as it is known—into the show by including songs from classic rock artists who performed there over the years.
The show’s drill design was by Cliff Taylor, associate director of bands. Music arrangements were by Taylor and Jason Baker, professor of percussion. Guard design was by Sarah Salisbury, an instructor in the MSU Department of Teacher Education and Leadership. Watch the show at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8rTriq6xGU.
“We are delighted to be selected to showcase a performance of our marching band at this prestigious event,” said Director of Bands Elva Kaye Lance. “In addition to featuring the outstanding musical and drill arrangements of our staff, this presentation gives us a chance to share information about our students’ musical and academic successes as we introduce our program in performance. Members of the Famous Maroon Band represent almost every college and school on our campus, and it is a joy to work with these talented and dedicated students from across our campus community.”
MSU’s Famous Maroon Band is the largest college band in the state. Learn more at https://www.msuband.msstate.edu/.
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