Mississippi State’s Famous Maroon Band Shines with Academic Excellence

Members of the Famous Maroon Band at Mississippi State University (MSU) are demonstrating remarkable academic and musical achievements this year. With over 425 students, the band reports a median ACT score of 27 and a median GPA of 3.6, highlighting the dual commitment to both music and academics among its members.

Notably, 160 band members have achieved an ACT score of 30 or higher, with nearly 40 students boasting a perfect 4.0 GPA. This academic excellence reflects the discipline and dedication that Elva Kaye Lance, the Director of Bands, attributes to the rigorous demands of musical performance. “There is often a strong parallel between the discipline required to succeed as a musician and the discipline needed for academic achievement,” Lance stated.

Upcoming Performances and Events

The Famous Maroon Band will kick off the fall season with the theme “FMB Brings the Heat,” performing at MSU football games. This year’s repertoire includes popular tracks such as “Heat of the Moment” and “The Heat is On.” The band will also host its annual patriotic and homecoming shows, alongside a special event on September 6 where 300 high school students will join for a collaborative performance.

On September 27, during the SEC opener, the band will showcase cartoon themes, while the highly anticipated Egg Bowl in November will feature Latin Jazz pieces, including Chick Corea’s “Spain” and Stan Kenton’s “La Suerte de los Tontos.”

Lance emphasized the welcoming atmosphere created by the band, which contributes to high retention rates among returning members. “Those retention numbers, coupled with the outstanding work of our university recruiters to bring new students to our campus, have resulted in a positive trajectory for our program,” she said. The combination of talented musicians and dedicated young professionals enriches the band experience at MSU.

A Rich History of Performances

The Famous Maroon Band has a storied history of performances beyond regular football and basketball games. Recent appearances include prestigious events such as the Reliaquest Bowl, Liberty Bowl, Music City Bowl, and others. Internationally, the Wind Ensemble has performed in countries like Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany, and Spain, showcasing the band’s commitment to excellence on a global scale.

In addition to its international tours, the Wind Ensemble had the honor of performing at the 2020 American Bandmasters Association Convention in Biloxi and is scheduled to appear at the 2024 Mississippi Bandmasters State Band Clinic in Natchez.

For more information about the Famous Maroon Band and its upcoming events, visit their official website at www.msuband.msstate.edu. Mississippi State University continues to foster an environment that prioritizes both musical talent and academic achievement, ensuring a bright future for its students.