One of the most beloved groups on campus comes in the form of the University’s Racer Band, a large cluster of dedicated students from every corner of the University coming together to embrace their passion for music.
A long-expanding tradition of the University, Racer Band has established itself in the hearts of the campus community, performing at various University home games and departmental events that further illustrate the extent of the Racer Band members dedication and commitment to the art of musical performance.
Samantha Sextonson, junior creative writing and English major, plays the saxophone in the band.
“I didn’t know the Racer Band was as important to campus life as it is when I joined,” Sextonson said. “I just thought, ‘Oh cool, I know how to do that,’ and signed up for the class.”
The fall semester is a hectic one for students involved in the Racer Band, as the group holds multiple afternoon practices throughout the week, perfecting their football half-time show and pep music between plays. On top of that, the band prepares for its annual fundraiser the Festival of Champions, a competition between nearby high school marching bands. Before the award portion of the event, the Racer Band performs an exhibition of their show.
Avery Mackey, junior wildlife conservation major, is currently a section leader in the band and in her third year with the group.
“It is so rewarding when you have an entire stadium of people, high schoolers, Racer Band fans and all that cheering for you after your exhibition performance,” Mackey said. “You don’t get that kind of support at a football game.”
More than 60% of the students involved in Racer Band are non-music majors, opening the group to the entirety of the campus. Students interested in joining the band are not required to audition, unless they want to be in color guard, drumline, or front ensemble, but do need to have prior experience with the instrument or section they are interested in.
Festival of Champions’ dates were rescheduled to Nov. 2, bringing together 11 high school marching bands onto Stewart Stadium’s field to compete for the gold.
Gina Parker, one of the band’s drum majors, said the Festival of Champions is very important because that is one of the band’s ways of recruiting people to Murray State and into the band.
Not only a recruitment tool, the Festival of Champions serves as the Racer Band’s main fundraising event, further making it a crucial part of the band’s semester.
“I’ve taken on as much responsibility as I can to make the band a fun experience for everyone,” Sextonson said. “So that no one feels out of place.”
