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Getting to Know the Band
The Spartan Marching Band (SMB) is one of the most recognizable collegiate marching bands in the country. Founded in 1870, the SMB is the second oldest band in the Big 10 Conference and is one of the most visible groups within the MSU community. The SMB is open to all MSU students and offers unparalleled performance experiences and a sense of family that continues beyond the on-campus experience.
A Rose Thrown At Any Other Time
For a number of members of the SMB, this is a return to the venue of dreams, whether they performed at BoA or at DCI Finals. Brendon McKinley, a third-year member of the trumpet section, falls into the former category. McKinley performed with Jenison High School, where they viewed Grand Nationals as the “ highlight of the marching season.”
Ashe Burr
Nov 19, 2025
Rivals On the Field, Friends Off of It
It’s always great to be back in Spartan Stadium. As much as the extended break from performing was needed for our mental well-being, life just feels empty without playing our hearts out in front of 70,000 cheering fans.
Ashe Burr
Oct 25, 2025
From Our Past to Our Future
The annual performance at the Grand Ledge Marching Exhibition is one that the entirety of the band looks forward to, regardless of whether or not they performed in this exhibition before joining the SMB. Not only is it a chance to showcase what options are available for marching band members at the next level, but also to perform for our most supportive audience all year.
Ashe Burr
Oct 10, 2025
New Friends Play Silvers, Old Friends Play Golds
Alumni Band is an experience that brings together generations of performers who have shared the same field at different times for one unforgettable performance. Every year, alumni band weekend is something that all members, both current and past, look forward to.
Ashe Burr
Sep 12, 2025
Goodbye Summer, Hello New Friends
The sun’s brutal rays have finally shown an ounce of mercy, which coincides with hundreds of students descending onto East Lansing from every corner of the country. From Washington to Maryland, Hawaiʻi to New Hampshire, and even from right here in Michigan, this only means one thing: the Spartan Marching Band is back and better than ever.
Ashe Burr
Aug 29, 2025
SMB: Spartan Marching Besties
The Spartan Marching Band is one of the most recognizable collegiate bands in the country thanks to unforgettable performances
Paige “Athena” Haddas
Nov 30, 2024
The Unique Melodies of the SMB Hornline
The Spartan Marching Band has many iconic songs from the roaring State Fanfare to the energetic Jungle Boogie
Paige “Athena” Haddas
Nov 22, 2024
What “Uniform” Means to the SMB
The Spartan Marching Band’s polished look is part of its identity. Every detail, from polished instruments to ironed sleeves, is important.
Paige “Athena” Haddas
Nov 1, 2024
Stand and Deliver: The Music Outside the White Lines
During preseason, every member of the band is required to memorize a litany of music that includes over twenty short tunes that are played
Paige “Athena” Haddas
Oct 18, 2024
Halftime: World-Renowned Collaboration
So how do guest musicians fit into all that preparation? The SMB still completes its typical three step process, but here are a few challeng
Paige “Athena” Haddas
Sep 25, 2024
The SMBCG: Taking Stock
Munn Field is unusually serene as the members of the Spartan Marching Band Color Guard begin to gather for their sectional.
Paige “Athena” Haddas
Sep 13, 2024
Red-Shirted: The Fifth Year Members of 2024
A feeling of accomplishment radiates through every band member as Dr. Thornton, standing in the faint glow of the Spartan Stadium scoreboard
Paige “Athena” Haddas
Aug 29, 2024
Ford Field Finale Against Penn State
The anticipation leading up to our last performance of the season is electric, and traveling to Ford Field.
Grace Wennerberg
Nov 22, 2023
Saluting Our Heroes At Spartan Stadium
The Spartan Marching Band is gearing up for their last performance in Spartan Stadium of the year. This upcoming gameday, we look forward...
Grace Wennerberg
Nov 3, 2023
SMB Prepares to Rock Rivalry Weekend, Halftime, and New Threads
Prepare to rock and roll, this rivalry weekend is going to be one for the books!
Grace Wennerberg
Oct 20, 2023
Marching on: Weekend Performance and Three-Week Break Ahead
As we gear up for our final performance of September, we reflect on the whirlwind month the Spartan Marching Band has had.
Grace Wennerberg
Sep 22, 2023
Harmonizing the Past and Present: The SMB’s Unforgettable Performance with Alumni
One of the SMB’s most heartwarming traditions is the annual performance with our beloved MSU Alumni Band. The relationship between the Spart
Grace Wennerberg
Sep 15, 2023
One Down, Three to Go: The Spartan Marching Band’s September Sprint
The first note has been played, the first step taken, and the Spartan Marching Band is officially back in action for another thrilling seaso
Grace Wennerberg
Sep 8, 2023
Preseason Perspectives: Freshmen vs. Seniors
Preseason is a time of excitement, hard work, and camaraderie for all its members, but ask any freshman or senior, and you'll quickly realiz
Grace Wennerberg
Aug 31, 2023
A Year in Reflection
Through seven different halftime shows, blocking pregame, learning series, and numerous gigs along the way, the Spartan Marching Band member
Savannah Harris
Nov 19, 2022
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