Saturday afternoon has finally arrived, chilly and full of excitement. The streets are lined with SMB spectators, smoke from the tailgate grills are billowing, kids are running around with their Spartan gear, and the band is coming around the bend. You find yourself situated where Beal Street crosses the Red Cedar River when the tuba section calls out, “I’M A LITTLE TEAPOT SHORT AND STOUT! TIP ME OVER AND POUR ME” and the entire band yells. Though the nursery rhyme seems odd for the intensity and aggressive attitude of the tuba series routine, it marks a pivotal moment in history.
Their traditions have evolved and adapted over time, including each part of the series, the superstitious behavior and nicknames, and overall personality that makes the tuba section what it is today.
Hook, tuba section leader, comments “[his] absolute favorite part about being a Spartan Tuba has to be the bond [they] share as a section. One of [their] core values as Spartan Tubas is the idea that [they’re] not just friends, [they’re] family. As corny as that may sound, [they] really believe in it. As a section, [they] strive to look out for one another, and help each other when needed. Outside of the band, [they] eat meals, go ontrips, play sports, host fun events for other members of the band, and so much more.Over the years, [he’s] had the privilege of marching alongside some of the finest people [he’s] ever met, and I'm proud to call them [his] family away from home.” In addition to the role as section leader, Hook provides some of the graphics for the social media team and the exceptional Spartan Tuba instagram page (@spartantubas). To him, “[he] really tries to encapsulate said values into the Instagram page. By showcasing who [they] are as Spartan Tubas, [he is] able to build a brand for [their] section that people will hopefully find interesting. Not only that, but the page is also used as a recruiting tool. Folks who are interested in trying out can get a taste of who [they] are, and what [they’re] all about. Not to mention, it's really fun to show how cool [they] are.”
Another influential aspect of the tuba section is its incorporation of women in a traditionally masculine section. Nike, a freshman in the section, speaks about the importance of women auditioning for the section and her overall experience since August. To Nike, “[her] experience so far has been amazing! Everybody has been very welcoming and very helpful. There have only ever been 18 female tubas and this year we have 6, which is insane to [her]. [She is] very proud to be a part of the group that makes up 1/3 of every female tuba player ever. [Her] preseason experience has been so much fun, and I'm looking forward to the next 4 years in the SMB.” By adding more women into the section, shows potentially interested members that it is possible to be in the section as a woman, and hopefully encourages them to audition!
Vesta, a second year in the band, is a clear example of how impactful seeing women doing powerful things can make other women eager to join. To her, “in high school [she] actually played the clarinet, but [she] remembers very vividly coming to an MSU game and falling in love with the SMB. [She] knew [she] wanted to come here and wanted to be in the band. Since the clarinet isn't in the SMB, [she] knew [she] had to learn a new instrument. After watching the series at a game another year later, it convinced [her] that being a tuba here was what [she] was meant to play. [She] wanted a smaller close knit section and really thought that the march to the stadium for the tubas was awesome. [She] also knew they gave each other tuba names, and [she] thought that would be a really special thing to be a part of.”
Moreover, the members of the Spartan Tuba section have a lot of love for the band, and their fellow section mates. Remember that next time you hear the classic “We Want a Touchdown” standstune or “Sonic Boom” on Adam’s Field.
As always Spartan Fans,
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