MSU Bands
Spirit of the West Marching Band
MUSI 155 MWF 2:10PM - 4:00PM
The SOTW fills a unique role on campus at MSU. Not only does the band perform at all MSU home football games in the newly expanded stadium, we also participate in many events around the school and the city of Bozeman. All student members of the SOTW receive a scholarship for playing in the band. While previous marching experience is desirable, it is not essential. Band camp begins one week prior to the start of the fall semester and is required of all members. Please contact the Director of Bands if you have a conflict.
Dear SOTW Members, Let me start by thanking you for your interest or continued involvement in SOTW. I hope you all have some time to relax this summer before an exciting fall at MSU. On a personal note, I am thrilled to be back again as director of such a great group of musicians and fun people!
In 2012 we will continue to follow the path that we began last year. I believe that the marching band experience is best when the music and drill are both interesting and challenging enough to encourage the members of the band to take pride and ownership in their production. We are going to rely on student leadership to an even greater degree this year to help make even the rehearsals something that all of us look forward to and enjoy.
With this in mind, our first show will be the most challenging of the year as we take advantage of good weather and band camp to learn advanced music and drill. I will not divulge any specifics here, but the music will be arranged especially for the SOTW and will capture the imagination of the band and audience alike. Our later show(s) are intended to be more relaxed and fun. We will continue the tradition of incorporating the winners of band camp “skit night” into our shows—thanks again to the Mellophones for “Let’s Do the Drill Down Again” and the Drumline for “Great Moments in Drumline History”—those were great crowd-pleasers!
We are also pleased to announce a new $50,000 scholarships endowment that is dedicated to the Spirit of the West. This will ensure that our scholarships are well-funded as the band continues to grow. The Montana State football team had an incredible season in 2011, and with so many returning players, we are looking forward to another great year of Bobcat victories!
Please note that in order to receive your full scholarship you must be enrolled in marching band, meet the expectations for performing in the group (including coming to all rehearsals and performances), and attend band camp in the fall. If you have any conflicts, contact me as soon as possible to request an exception. Incoming Freshman are encouraged to attend orientation sessions earlier in the summer to reduce conflicts with marching band, but will be allowed to leave rehearsal for priority events during the week before classes (as are all members).
To find out more about the Spirit of the West and to be entered into a drawing for an ADDITIONAL $500.00 SCHOLARSHIP, pre-register for the band at MSU Friday, New Student Orientation, or using our online form. By doing so, you will be added to our email list and updated with regards to the band camp schedule, student leadership results, and how you can secure your place in the Spirit of the West! Otherwise, please feel free to contact me with any questions that you may have.
Looking forward to another great season!
Nathan Stark, D.M.A.
Director of Bands
Wind Symphony
MUSI 314 TR 4:25PM - 6:15PM
This ensemble is intended for those students who are most serious about performance proficiency on their instrument. Music majors may use this ensemble to fulfill large ensemble requirements. The repertoire is selected from the growing body of advance literature for wind band.
Audition Information
The Wind Symphony is intended for those students who are most serious about performance proficiency on their instrument.
All members of the Wind Symphony must audition for Dr. Stark. Please sign-up for at time on the bulletin board by the front office. Students who are not accepted into the group, but would like to be considered in the future, should plan on playing in University Band.
Requirements
- Two Major scales of Dr. Stark's choosing at the time of the audition (up to 3 sharps and 4 flats) - preferably 2 octaves in 16th notes. You may use music during the audition.
- Chromatic scale - preferably 3 octaves
- 1-minute piece of your choosing. Don't play something too hard! It is more important to sound good and be musical.
- Possible excerpts from upcoming band music OR sight reading - details/measure numbers will be provided at our first rehearsal.
University Band
MUSI 114 MWF 12:00PM - 12:50PM
University Band is a great ensemble for those students who want to keep playing in college. The group is non-auditioned, and is made-up of a mix of academic majors from all around campus. Music majors who are not accepted into Wind Symphony may use this ensemble to fulfill large ensemble requirements. The music is selected from a combination of the standard wind band repertoire and the most popular/fun band pieces. Our first concert may include: Gavorkna Fanfare and music from Carmina Burana.
