Energizing the crowd: Spirit of the West marching band marks 40th anniversary
The Montana State University marching band forms an M on the football field during a pregame performance. Band members arrive on campus a week before classes start for band camp to practice marching and playing. (MSU photo by Adrián Sánchez-González)
Hugh Frampton, cymbals, and the rest of the marching band bring energy and spirit to Bobcat football games and other university events. (MSU photo by Colter Peterson)
The marching band performs during halftime of a Bobcat football game. To make letters and shapes on the field, band members march precisely. Each step is 22.5 inches. (MSU photo by Adrián Sánchez-González)
About 40 student leaders, including drum majors who conduct the band, help the band succeed by polishing instruments, inventorying uniforms and helping new members learn the basics. (MSU photo by Kelly Gorham)
Trumpet player Hailey Finch leads the Spirit of the West marching band in a pre-performance rally cry. (MSU photo by Colter Peterson)
MSU President Waded Cruzado cheers on the Spirit of the West during Cat Walk, an annual stroll through downtown Bozeman and its businesses to stir up Bobcat support at the start of each academic year. (MSU photo by Colter Peterson)
It’s nearly halftime of the Montana State University football game against Northern Arizona University and student drum major Frank Harney is standing with his back to a concrete wall in a tunnel of Bobcat Stadium, shouting at the top of his lungs.
He has the attention of the rest of MSU’s Spirit of the West marching band members, whose heads are bowed with their berets or plumed, cylindrical hats called shakos in hand.
“There may be a day when this stadium turns quiet,” Harney yells.
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