BOZEMAN - Montana State University’s Spirit of the West Marching Band needs around $200,000 to make the trip to Frisco, Texas for the FCS championship game between the Bobcats and the North Dakota State Bison.
The College of Arts & Architecture has already raised $75,000, thanks to donations through the Montana State University Alumni Foundation.
To any football fan, a large part of what makes the game so special is the marching band, Dr. Royce Smith said.
Smith is the Dean of the College of Arts and Architecture and has great admiration for the students in the band.
“The magic of being in front of that group of students, the efforts joy and enthusiasm they bring to playing their instruments. There’s really nothing like it,” Smith said.
160 members of the marching band would like to travel to Texas; the cost for each member is roughly $1,000 to travel.
“We’re just really excited to play our part as the Spirit of the West Marching Band to play in that historic moment. It’s been almost 40 years since we’ve had a moment like this, and I’m just really excited,” Smith said.
Smith said much of the energy and excitement during the game can be attributed to the band. Getting people out of their seats, excited for a run, and providing some entertainment along the way is the goal of the band.
Click here if you would like to donate; on the MSU Alumni Foundation website; be sure to specify MARCHING BAND under the donations to alumni. You can also call call 406-994-2053 or email gifts@msuaf.org.
