How the Marist College Band Keeps Campus Spirit Alive

The trumpet section of Marist's marching band participates in a rehearsal at Tenney field for High School Recruitment Day and Marist Football's upcoming home game. Credit: Will Haydon '25

An often underappreciated organization at Marist College, the Marist Band is the cornerstone of school spirit that enlivens the Red Fox community.

The band isn’t just a performance group — it’s a three-in-one musical hub, welcoming students from all skill levels and diverse musical backgrounds. Totaling around 80 members, these students comprise the marching, concert and pep bands, with ma ny participating in a combination of the three and forming smaller, enriching ensembles.

Even though the band tends to fly under the radar, they are hard at work, and their impact on sporting events like football, basketball and hockey games, as well as other ceremonies and gatherings, is undeniable. Out on the field, the band provides a perfectly curated atmosphere for athletes and fans alike, whether during halftime, thrilling moments of victory or somber instances of defeat.

“First, we do a tailgate around the McCann parking lot, where we’ll perform some pep tunes by the sidewalk as people walk in and out,” said Amanda Gorrin ‘28, a clarinet player and member of the color guard. “Afterward, we’ll head over to do our pre-game show, where we play some upbeat pieces, Marist’s fight song and the ‘Star-Spangled Banner,’ followed by our halftime show and more pep songs.”

Careful consideration goes behind selecting music. “I gave students in the marching band about four or five themes to choose from this year, and then they voted for Broadway,” said Dr. Malcolm Jones, director of bands and a professional lecturer of music. Not only does he aim to satisfy the marching and concert band students; he must also pick songs that accommodate the dance and cheer teams during joint performances. 

“You’re considering three things when you’re picking music, especially for the marching band — music that the students will like, what the general population of Marist students will like and then what the fans will like. And there’s not a lot of overlap between those three,” he said.

While athletic events are priorities, “We pretty much go wherever people ask us to be,” added Dr. Jones. Events like the inauguration of Marist College President Kevin C. Weinman or the MAAC Basketball Tournament allow the band to showcase their skills to alums and special guests beyond the immediate Marist student body. For instance, band members recently marked the grand opening of the new Dyson Center at the ribbon-cutting ceremony by cultivating a celebratory environment.

The Marist band attributes its success to intensive practices. Every Monday from 8 to 10 p.m. and Thursday from 8 to 9:15 p.m., members tirelessly rehearse at Tenney Stadium, even under the blistering sun or chilling cold. “The band can be physically and mentally draining sometimes,” said Gorrin. “Physically, there’s lots of moving, running and marching. Mentally, it can be a lot to learn and remember drills, especially after a long day.”

Yet, members echo one resounding message: Marist students are devoted to the group for one another. Participation thrives because of the strong sense of community, support and belonging among students from all walks of life. “I stay for the people,” Gorrin continued. “Everyone here is so nice, and I have a lot of friends in the band.”

Participants across various class years and skill levels share this sentiment. “You all bond together, especially in the first week during band camp,” said band president and piccolo player Hannah Gidos ‘25. “You learn from the upperclassmen, as well as become their friends. And by the end of the year, you’re so sad to see seniors go.”

With no music major at Marist, members across disciplines unite over their shared passion for self-expression, teamwork and the art of music. Their unique experiences shape the band’s identity, as does their presence in two service-based organizations: Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma. Whether they are officially part of these organizations or not, Dr. Jones emphasized that members are eager to “Set up and take down rehearsal, help put music together, and set up speakers or stands. A lot of the students in those organizations are themselves a resource for younger students or other students who need guidance.”

Given their impressive commitment to music, balancing the band with academics, social lives and other involvements is challenging, but manageable. “I have a pretty busy schedule,” said Lilly McPadden ‘25, who is in color guard, Marist Singers and works two jobs while completing her senior capping project. “I’ve always had a pretty busy schedule growing up, so it’s more about blocking out my time. I make sure I have time for everything and still leave some time for fun.”

Looking forward, Dr. Jones plans to host recruitment events involving local schools and hopes to organize a side-by-side concert with Carmel High School before the basketball season and spring concert. The marching band also anticipates integrating its new color guard program this fall.

“We add a visual component to the field show,” Gorrin said. McPadden added, “It’s awesome to be on the founding team for Marist. We’re excited to hopefully help spread the word to schools in the region and across the U.S. and recruit more students in future years.”

The Marist band’s contributions on campus are unmatched. With a strong sense of community and a shared dedication to music, these students strive to keep Marist’s spirit alive, and the future looks promising.