History
The 300 member Spartan Band is one of the oldest and most recognized university marching bands in the country. The band was founded in 1870 as a 10-member student group, and since then has grown into one of the premiere college bands in the nation. The SMB has played for five U.S. Presidents and performed at four Rose Bowls, two world's fairs, and one world series. The Spartan Band has toured the United States extensively, winning the hearts of band fans everywhere. The band has appeared in concert and on football fields in such far-flung cities as San Francisco, New York, Dallas, Chicago, Indianapolis, Las Vegas, Albuquerque, St. Louis, Denver, New Orleans, Salt Lake City, Tokyo, Tucson, San Diego and Washington, D.C. DirectorsNote: the band was run by students and Military Officers for it's first 37 years (1870-1906)
Origins"On the banks of the Red Cedar there's a school that's known to all. Its specialty is farming, but those farmers play football..." So began the Michigan Agricultural College Fight Song in the early part of this century. For Michigan State University, now world-renowned as a leading research institution and an international center for studies in the arts and sciences, this began its history as a tiny agricultural school where farming was the main subject for study.
First Band Formed in 1870Michigan Agricultural College was founded as the nation's first land-grant college in 1855. The first college building, College Hall, centered around where Beaumont Tower stands today. In 1870, the very first MAC Band was formed: a student and Civil War veteran named Ransom McDonough Brooks created a ten-member student brass band and led them in parades and at drills. This tiny group was the ancestor of the nationally-renowned Michigan State University Spartan Marching Band. From 1874 to 1878 R.H. Gulloy, class of 78', was the band leader.
The First UniformsIn 1885, with the establishment of a permanent military department at the college, the band became a Cadet Corps unit and appeared for the first time in uniform. The uniforms were gray with black braid trim. The band performed at military drills and at public concerts. In 1888, I.E. Hill was the leader and 1st cornet player. Early 1900s
The President Visits MACA highlight of the band's early history was the visit of President Theodore Roosevelt to MAC on the occasion of the college's semi-centennial in 1907. The band escorted and played for the President during his stay in East Lansing. B.G. Edgerton was the leader during this parade.
The First Faculty ConductorAlso in 1907, chemistry professor A.J.Clark was appointed by college president and Jonathan L. Snyder as the band's first faculty conductor. Under Clark's baton, the band began playing for school functions, including athletic events (the football band was known as the "MAC Touch-down Band"), and expanded from 25 to 60 members.
The Aggie BandIn 1910, Sgt. Patrick J. Cross drilled the band for military functions. When the band accompanied the MAC football team to the Ohio State game of 1912, a Columbus newspaper reported, "Never has there been a band on Ohio Field that can compete with the Michigan Aggie." Frederic L. Abel served as band director from 1916 to 1918, and A.J. Clark returned in 1918 - 1919. In 1919, J.S. Taylor was appointed faculty director of bands, succeeding Clark. Taylor was a prolific composer of marches, many of which were very popular in the early part of this century. Taylor directed until 1922. A.J. Clark returned for the third and final time from 1922 - 1925, and Carl Kuhlman served as director from 1925 - 1927.
The MSU Fight Song
As a yellmaster and student Lankey was bothered by the lack of a fight song for MAC. He was also an accomplished pianist as well as a composer. While at MAC, Lankey played primarily ragtime and he often played at dances and other events on and off campus. In the winter and spring of 1915 assisted by Arthur L. Sayles, an engineering senior who helped primarily with the words to the song, the original MAC fight song was composed by Lankey. However, it would not be until the fall of 1919 when the Varsity Club was looking to raise money, that copies of the song, then in the possession of one of Lankey’s many girlfriends, were sold at 50 cents apiece at the homecoming pep assembly. In 30 minutes they sold all 770 copies. J.S. Taylor, the new director of the Military Band, heard the song and thought it should be orchestrated for the band. That was done and the following year the new MSU fight song was played at football games and other sporting events. Ironically, Francis I. Lankey would never know that his song would become the MSU Fight Song, as he perished in a plane crash on May 1, 1919 in St. Petersbug, Florida.
The Spartans are Born
However, sportswriter George Alderton of the Lansing State Journal disliked that nickname, and, on his own, selected another of the entries: Michigan State SPARTANS. He put the nickname into print in the paper on April 2, 1926--and the students and public loved it. So the Michigan State Spartans were born. That was the nickname for the students of MAC and also for the Michigan Agricultural College athletic team, reflecting the school's still-agriculturally-based curriculum. But the small college was growing, and changes were occurring in the band as well as in the school. The Falcone Years: 1927-1967
Falcone comes to MSC
In 1927, an event took place which was to have a profound and important effect upon the history of the Michigan State Band: Leonard Falcone was appointed Band Director. Falcone was to become noted not only as the Michigan State band director but also as the world's leading euphonium horn soloist. He would remain Director of the Spartan Marching Band for the next forty years. During his tenure, the Michigan State College of 2,700 students became Michigan State University of under 40,000 students. Under his baton, the Spartan Marching Band grew to 144 members and performed for three U.S. presidents, at the New York World's Fair, at the 1954, 1956, and 1966 Rose Bowl games, and for countless fans both at home and away. The Spartan Band truly became Michigan State's musical ambassadors.
The SMB & The ROTCThroughout the 1930's and 40's, the band remained part of the college ROTC program and wore military khaki and olive uniforms. Besides playing for football games in the fall, the band performed year-round at ROTC weekly parades and drills, and at public concerts. The band was based in the MSC Armory building, which coincidentally stood where the Music Building stands today. The military parade field occupied roughly the same space that Landon Field occupies today. Concerts were also given in an elaborate band shell that had been built on the banks of the Red Cedar in 1937. The shell stood until 1960 when it was demolished to make way for construction of Bessey Hall.
The ShadowsA word should be said here about the introduction of MSC's new Alma Mater, "The Shadows". Arranged by the MSC Music Department Professor H. Owen Reed. It is based on a tune from the Donizetti opera "Lucia di Lammermoor," with words by former Spartan coach Bernard "Barney" Traynor. "The Shadows" was introduced by the band in 1948, and it replaced the old alma mater, "Close Beside the Winding Cedar," which had been borrowed from Cornell University. "The Shadows" took its place alongside the "Fight Song" (composed back in 1919 by MAC "Yellmaster" F.I. Lankey) as favorite songs of Spartans everywhere.
MSC Enters the Big TenIn 1948, Michigan State had been admitted to the Big Ten athletic conference, with competition beginning in fall 1953. MSC firmly took its place in the Big Ten in its very first year of competition: the Spartans won the 1953 Big Ten football championship, and the football team and band went on to the 1954 Rose Bowl. The Band's trip to Pasadena--by train--was sponsored by the Oldsmobile Division of General Motors. Along the way West, the Spartan Band stopped to perform parades and concerts in Kansas City, Oklahoma City, Amarillo, El Paso, and Tucson. Following the Band's appearance in the six-mile Tournament of Roses Parade and at pregame and halftime of the Spartan's Rose Bowl victory over UCLA, the Band traveled to San Francisco to perform at the Jan. 2 East-West Shrine game. Fans and press lauded the Spartan Band everywhere. On the way home to East Lansing--again by train--the bandsmen presented more concerts and parades in Salt Lake City and Denver. A weary but happy group of Spartan musicians arrived back in East Lansing on January 6.
The Band's First Non-Military UniformsThe Spartan Band donned their first non-military uniforms in 1952, following a two-year fundraising drive by students, faculty, and alumni. These were the first green-and-white uniforms ever worn by the MSC Marching Band. Accented with a decorative white cross-strap, white hat, and green-and-white plume, these uniforms would be worn for the next twelve years.
Falcone had hired
MSC Becomes MSU, Roses are Green1955 brought the celebration of Michigan State's centennial year--and another big change. After years of debate, Michigan State College's name was officially changed to Michigan State University, to reflect the new universal goals and responsibilities of this rapidly-growing educational institution.
And what better way to celebrate that new name than with another Big Ten football title? For the second time in three years, the Spartans were on their way to the Rose Bowl. Again sponsored by Oldsmobile, the band traveled to California by train, whistle-stopping for concerts and parades in Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Tucson, Dallas, and St. Louis en route to and from the West. The 130-member band also made a guest appearance on the CBS-TV "Bob Crosby Show." The Rose Bowl game, held that year on Jan. 2, 1956, resulted in another Spartan victory over UCLA. It was the first Spartan Rose Bowl in 1954 where the now famous "Kick-Step" was first introduced.
Patterns in MotionIn 1960, William Moffit became Falcone's Assistant Director of Bands. Under Moffit's drillmanship, the Spartan Marching Band became internationally famous for its distinctive "Patterns in Motion" marching style. A Moffit brainchild, "Patterns in Motion" featured constantly-changing kaleidoscopic patterns which could be seen and appreciated by nearly all viewers in the stadium. Based on a four-person squad system, "Patterns in Motion" would sweep the nation as the new style in marching with college, university, and high school bands everywhere adopting the style.
Spinning the SBut none could quite match Moffit's special brand of fancy footwork coupled with special musical arrangements (he was later to become famous, too, for his "Soundpower" series of published marching band arrangements, many of which were pioneered by the MSU band). The influences of "Patterns in Motion" are still being felt today, and have led to many more changes in marching band style. Moffit is also credited with inventing the "spinning of the block-S" with which the Spartan Band still traditionally opens its pregame show.
Block-S UniformsIn 1964, the Spartan Band received new uniforms: a dark forest green with a white vinyl overlay. A large block-S appeared on the front of the overlay, and a shield-MSU on the back. The overlay could be removed, resulting in a concert dress uniform. White hats with green-and-white plumes completed the marching uniforms. Also, in 1964, the Spartan Band had the opportunity to perform at the New York World's Fair during Michigan Week activities. Sponsored by Oldsmobile, a delegation consisting of most of the bandsmen traveled to New York to give concerts at the Fair, at Rockefeller Center, and at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. For the first time, the Band traveled by air in converted cargo planes.
Falcone steps down, Begian is HiredIn 1967, Falcone's 40 year tenure as director of the Spartan Marching Band finally came to an end, and Harry Begian became the sixth director of the band. Begian stayed on as SMB director for the next three years, until 1970. In 1969, William Moffit left MSU to become Director of Bands at the University of Houston. Joe Parker was named Assistant Director of Bands by Dr. Begian in the 1969-70 school year. He left in the fall of 1970 to become the band director at Royal Oak Dondero High School.
Kenneth Bloomquist became 7th director of the Spartan Marching Band in 1970. He would keep the post for seven years. Bloomquist's assistant director from 1970 to 1974 was David Catron, who would return in 1979 to become the 10th director of the SMB.
The first women join the SMB1972 was a landmark year in the history of the Spartan Marching Band: it was the year that the first women were admitted to the ranks of the band. Until 1972, the band had been all male (even the twirlers were male). The first women members of the band were Beth Mlynarek (twirler) and Lynne Charbonneau (saxophonist).
HegerbergIn 1974 Catron accepted the position of Director of Bands at Wichita State University and A. Thad Hegerberg, a 1964 graduate of MSU and a former band president, took over the Assistant Director position. The Spartan Marching Band now numbered 188, and included a corps of colorful Big Ten Flags, incorporated some years earlier. Also in 1974, the old overlay uniforms were replaced with a unique design made especially for the MSU Band by Ostwald. These new uniforms eliminated the hot vinyl overlays, and included a forest green front with the shield "MSU", and silver accents. These uniforms would remain in use until 1985.
Expanding HorizonsIn 1976, the Spartan Band began to add new dimensions to their traditional "Patterns in Motion" style. Various techniques borrowed from competition drum and bugle corps were put into use, and the music began to be correlated more carefully with visual aspects of the drill. Corps style percussion (including pitched bass drums and tri-toms), new silver tubas, stride maneuvers, oblique marching, expanded full-field mirror drills, and curvilinear drills became integral parts of the new Spartan style. 1975 and 76 also marked appearances of the SMB at the Pontiac Silverdome, the brand new home of the NFL Detroit Lions.
The Color Guard is Added1976 brought another addition to the Spartan Band: a working Flag Corps (or Color Guard) of 24 members. This first MSU flag corps was co-ed, and both men and women wore the regular marching band uniform. New white flags with a green shield "MSU" were designed by the first flag corps instructor, Steve Batdorff, who had formerly marched as Big Ten flag captain. The Spartan Band's block size had increased to 212. The band performed at its first pro football game in 1976 when it accepted an invitation to appear at a Detroit Lions game at the Pontiac Silverdome.
ChevallardIn 1977, P. Carl Chevallard was appointed Assistant Director of the Spartan Marching Band. Thad Hegerberg became Associate Director of Bands, a move necessitated because Director of Bands Bloomquist was under consideration for appointment as Chairman of the Music Department while remaining Director of Bands. Hegerberg and Chevallard directed the Spartan Marching Band that year, with Bloomquist often joining them on the tower.
Catron Returns to MSUDavid Catron returned from Wichita State in 1979 to take the position of Associate Director of Bands and Director of the Spartan Marching Band. Chevallard resigned to take the post of Director of Bands at San Jose State University. One of Catron's first moves upon his re-arrival at Michigan State was to change the look of the Spartan Band Flag Corps. New white satin skirted uniforms were designed, and the Flag Corps became all women for the first time. Catron kept the Spartan Band's traditions of excellence: a respect for the old traditions coupled with a quest for innovations and spirited showmanship. Under his direction, the Spartan Marching Band expanded to nearly 300 members, and the use of new marching techniques and more styles based on drum corps techniques continued. In 1982, William Wiedrich, a 1980 graduate of MSU and a former band president and band manager, was appointed to the position of Assistant Director of Bands. Wiedrich aided Catron in on-field drilling of the Spartan Marching Band and charting drills and arranging music for the band.
1984 - the World's Fair and the World SeriesIn the summer of 1984, a delegation from the Spartan Marching Band was invited to perform at the New Orleans World's Fair. The 25-member uniformed delegation was sponsored by the Chrysler Corporation, and presented three concerts at the Fair.
More good things were to happen in the fall of 1984. The Detroit Tigers had swept to a stunning American League pennant victory and invited the Spartan Marching Band to open Game 3 of the World Series in Detroit with a pregame concert appearance on the outfield of Tiger Stadium. The band attended that game and saw the Tigers emerge victorious. Two nights later, the Tigers won the World Series over the San Diego Padres. The Spartan football team also had a good year, and in December 1984, the Spartan Marching Band accompanied the team to its first bowl game since the 1966 Rose Bowl. It was the first annual Cherry Bowl game, held at the Pontiac Silverdome on Dec. 22, 1984, and featuring a gridiron clash between the Spartans and Army. Though the football team was narrowly defeated, the Spartan Band attracted national and international attention when its complete halftime show was broadcast to one of the largest syndicated audiences in the history of sports television.
The SMB Loses a Leader and FriendIn May 1985, the MSU Bands and the world of music suffered a great loss; Leonard Falcone, Director Emeritus of Bands at MSU, known as "The Dean of the Big Ten Band Directors," died. On the night before his death, a delegation of Spartan Marching Band members had visited him in the Dimondale nursing home where he was staying, serenading him with the "Fight Song" and "The Shadows". To the end, Falcone was revered by the Spartan Band, and this last concert was a touching tribute to him. His funeral service was attended by former and current MSU band members from across the nation. The successful 1985 football season led to the Spartans accepting an invitation to the All-American Bowl in Birmingham, Alabama, on December 31, 1985. New uniforms were premiered to a national audience watching the game on Superstation WTBS, which broadcast the entire Spartan halftime show. The Spartan team was defeated by the Georgia Tech Yellow jackets. The band traveled home on New Year's Day.
1987 - A Big Ten Championship & Rose Bowl Victory for the SpartansThe 1987 season brought more changes to the Spartan Marching Band. A fundraising drive throughout the 1986 season, carried out by the Spartan Marching Band Fan Club, the band's support organization, allowed the band to purchase a giant, 100-foot American flag, which was premiered to the public at the MSU-USC game of Sept. 7, 1987 (this also had the distinction of being the first-ever nighttime game in Spartan Stadium, and was telecast to a nationwide ABC audience). Marching styles continued to evolve, and the Spartan Band utilized some of the newest marching developments, including the concept of "floating drills" (pivot point off center of the field during a rotation).
The streets of Pasadena were lined with millions as the band rose at 4 a.m. to depart for the starting line of the Rose Parade. The chill of the early morning was soon forgotten as the band performed to high acclaim during the 5.7-mile Rose Parade. A standing ovation greeted the pregame and halftime presentations of the Spartan Marching Band in the 1988 Rose Bowl. Over 300 million viewed the band worldwide during the day's activities. A Spartan victory frosted this historical day for Spartan fans everywhere.
WiedrichIn 1988, David Catron became Associate Director of the MSU School of Music and head of undergraduate music advising and curriculum. William Wiedrich assumed the title of Associate Director of Bands and the Director of the Spartan Marching Band.
Madden Comes to MSUOn August 1, 1989, John T. Madden accepted the position of Associate Director of Bands and Director of the Spartan Marching Band. Madden was a 1985 graduate of the MSU School of Music and former trumpet section leader and Vice-President of the Spartan Marching Band. Madden received his Masters Degree in Music Education and Wind Conducting from Wichita State University (KS) where he served for two years as Graduate Assistant in the University Band Department. Before coming back to MSU, Madden held the post as Associate Director of Bands and Marching Band Director at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey from 1987 to 1989. Having served on two DCI Finalist Drum Corps staffs, (the Phantom Regiment and the Cadets of Bergen County) he began to incorporate greater color guard and visual coordination within Spartan Marching Band drill. Madden has labeled the Spartan Marching Band in the 90's as an eclectic drill style band, incorporating the ultimate in high step precision drill and tradition, combined with the newest contemporary drill and visual techniques.
Leadership TrainingOne of Madden's first acts as director was to establish leadership training for squad and section leaders. Each fall, this group of elected student leaders participate in classroom sessions, as well as workshops to further understand their roll as teachers of the younger members of the Spartan Band. Additional programs have also been designed for the SMB membership to help deal with the issues of alcohol and drug education, hazing, and harassment.
First Female Band President and Drum MajorIn 1992, Janet Murray of Sterling Heights, Michigan was elected the band's first female Band President. Janet was a Music Education Major and Alto Saxophone Section Leader. In 1995, The first female Drum Major was Mary Houhanisin of Brighton, Michigan. Mary was the 3rd Brighton alum to serve as Spartan Marching Band Drum Major.
A New Director of BandsThe spring of 1993 marked the retirement of Director of Bands, Kenneth G. Bloomquist. John L. Whitwell came to MSU from Stephen F. Austin State University to accept the position of Director of Bands at MSU. Professor Whitwell concentrated primarily on the MSU Wind Symphony and Symphony Band while teaching Graduate Conducting students.
New Uniforms and a New CoachThe 1995 season opened with very special happenings. Nick Saban was hired as the new football coach, and the band recieved their 5th set of green and white uniforms. Additionally, for the first time, all SMB drill charts were computer generated, using Advantage Showare. The 1995 season ended with a bus trip to Shreveport, Louisiana for the 1995 Independence Bowl vs. the L.S.U. Tigers. The Spartans lost the game.
A Trip to Disney WorldIn 1999, the Spartan Band enjoyed a successful trip to South Bend for a third consecutive Spartan victory over the Irish. Home wins over Michigan, Ohio State and Penn State capped a great 9-2 season with losses to Purdue and Wisconsin. The Citrus Bowl invited MSU, its team and band to Orlando, Florida. The SMB enjoyed the New Years Day spotlight on ABC Television as well as parades at Disney MGM Studios, Universal Studios, and of course the Magic Kingdom Parade on New Years Eve of the new Millennium. The Spartans beat the Florida Gators by a field goal on the last play of the game!
Looking to the FutureJohn Madden has continued to develop programs and methods to keep the Spartan Marching Band on the cutting edge of the college marching band world. TRADITION, INNOVATION, & EXCELLENCE: These are the trademarks of the Spartan Marching Band. Throughout its long and proud history, the SMB has adhered to these watchwords, and will continue to do so in the years to come.
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Michigan State’s first victory over the University of Michigan occurred
October 18, 1913, when the “Aggies” beat Michigan 12-7. One of the MAC
students in attendance was Francis Lankey of the Class of 1916 and an
assistant yellmaster (cheerleader.) After the game the MAC students and
fans paraded up and down the streets of Ann Arbor celebrating their victory
by singing “The Victors”, Michigan’s Fight song. The following week MAC
played and beat the University of Wisconsin, champions of the Big 9, by
the identical score of 12-7. At that game he heard the Wisconsin fans
sing their fight song, “On, Wisconsin.” As a matter of fact, the 1913
season was the first undefeated season for MSU; the next one would be in
1951 under Coach “Biggie” Munn.
The college's new nickname was chosen
in 1926, shortly after the name of the school was changed to Michigan
State College. The "block-S" was adopted in that year as the athletic
award letter, and it was felt that a new nickname was needed for MSC to
reflect the new goals and aims of the college. A campus-wide contest
was held, and "Michigan Staters" was picked as the winner among the
entries.
In the 1987 season finale, MSU defeated Indiana to clinch the Big Ten
Championship, sending the Spartans to their first Rose Bowl in 22
years. The Spartan Band flew to California via chartered American
Airlines for a week of intense rehearsals and appearances at Universal
Studios, Disneyland, Sea World, and the Century Plaza Hotel in Los
Angeles.