Thunderbird Marching Band Set to Soar in Third Season
Published: August 23, 2024 | Author: Kol Gibson | Read Time: 3 minutes
Southern Utah University's Thunderbird Marching Band is poised to make a dazzling entrance into the 2024-25 season with its debut performance on August 29, 2024. The band will kick off their third year as the T-Birds face the University of Utah in football, setting the stage for a semester filled with exciting engagements and competitions that highlight the band’s remarkable growth and talent.
Founded in 2022 with just 73 members, the Thunderbird Marching Band has expanded to 110 members and continues to grow stronger each year. Under the leadership of David Torres, the band has set a goal to reach 200 members in the coming years, a testament to the outstanding culture Torres has fostered. While 40% of the band are music majors, the remaining 60% come from various fields of study across the university. Students join not just for the music but for the opportunity to be part of a supportive, challenging, and fun environment.
“Our students have built an incredible culture of musicians who are passionate about putting on a great show,” Torres said. “They’ve embraced the challenge of growing and improving with each rehearsal, and I can’t wait for everyone to see the energy and enthusiasm they bring to the field.”
This culture of excellence has helped the Thunderbird Marching Band stand out, and its success isn’t just measured in their performance on the field. Students involved in athletic bands tend to have higher retention rates and GPAs compared to their peers. This supportive, team-driven environment provides students with the tools to succeed both on the field and in the classroom.
The 2024-25 season will feature not only stunning halftime shows at SUU football games but also key events such as the Las Vegas Invitational Marching Band Competition. This competition will be a major recruiting opportunity, spreading its influence throughout the region. Later in September, the band will collaborate with Ogden High School during a trip to the Idaho State game, building relationships with young musicians who may become future Thunderbirds. Then on November 8, the Thunderbird Marching Band will close the Utah State Marching Band Competition with a performance in front of 10,000 spectators.
Despite the full schedule ahead, the band is prepared for the challenge. Since last Saturday, they’ve been working tirelessly during band camp with 12-hour days to perfect their routines. This intense preparation ensures the group will be seasoned and ready for their high-profile performances.
“My favorite part of leading the athletic bands at SUU is when they perform,” said Torres. “Seeing everything we’ve planned and practiced come to fruition is amazing. It’s also nerve-wracking, but being able to sit back and watch what we’ve created together is incredibly fulfilling.”
With their first major performance next week and a packed semester ahead, the Thunderbird Marching Band is ready to showcase their talent, passion, and commitment to SUU and their art. To learn more about the Thunderbird Marching Band, please visit go.suu.edu/sosu. You can also support the Thunderbird Marching Band by visiting go.suu.edu/jointhemarch.
About the College of Performing and Visual Arts
The College of Performing and Visual Arts (CPVA) at Southern Utah University comprises 41 academic programs including liberal arts (BA/BS) and professional (BFA, BM, BMEd) degrees in art, design, dance, filmmaking, music, and theatre. It includes graduate programs in the fields of arts administration (MFA, MA), music education (MME), and music technology (MM). More than 60 full-time faculty and staff are engaged in teaching and mentoring over 900 majors in the College. CPVA presents over 100 performances, lectures, presentations, and exhibitions each year which are complemented by the Southern Utah Museum of Art (SUMA) and Shakespeare Studies at SUU, and is affiliated with the Tony award-winning Utah Shakespeare Festival (USF). Southern Utah University is an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Art & Design (NASAD), National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD), National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), and the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST) making SUU the first public university in the state of Utah to be accredited by all four associations. For more information about the College of Performing and Visual Arts, visit www.suu.edu/pva.Tags: FacStaff Music Student Life Athletics College of Performing and Visual Arts
Contact Information:
Kol Gibson
435-865-8667
kolgibson@suu.edu