Fresno State Athletics
The Beat Of The Fans
8/17/2010 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 17, 2010
FRESNO, Calif. - Fresno State is celebrating its centennial year of existence this season and, therefore, this season will be bigger than ever. The Fresno State Marching Band is preparing for this season in a special way. The Marching Band is looking forward to having more members than it has ever had. This year, they will consist of 320 members which is about 40 more than any previous year. Tim Anderson is the school's Band Director. Anderson is ready to lead this large group of students into this important centennial year of celebration.
"We strongly rely on student leadership and ownership to help run this program smoothly," said Anderson. He also works closely with grad students and other coaching staff to get the band ready for game days.
This season, the band will be playing for the football games, volleyball games, and men's and women's basketball games. The Fresno State Marching Band will also be performing during parades for the City of Fresno as well as different local high schools around the Valley. This fall, the Marching Band is excited to host the annual Sierra Cup Classic at Bulldog Stadium. The Sierra Cup Classic allows for high school students to compete amongst the best of the best. The Sierra Cup Classic will be held on Saturday, October 30th, and is open to the public.
"Game day truly is the most exciting experience," said Anderson.
Game day is an all day event for the Fresno State Marching Band. The Band meets around 9 a.m. and rehearses for approximately two hours at their practice field located on Barstow across the street from O'Neill Park. The Band members then meet again two hours before kickoff to prepare for their tradition of parading across campus to Bulldog Stadium. Along their parade route, the Marching Band plays for the enjoyment of all tailgaters and pumps up the fans along Bulldog Boulevard. Just before game time, the Marching Band plays for the awaited entrance of the Fresno State Football players as they come down the South Entrance of the Stadium and head through the Dog House onto the field.
The Marching Band plays a variety of music to charge the Bulldog fans with spirit. The Band has theme music for different players who get their hands on the ball. Last season, when Ryan Mathews touched the ball, the band played the Superman theme song. This season, when Robbie Rouse gets contact with the ball, they will play the Mighty Mouse theme song.
Since this 2010 season will be the celebration of 100 years of Fresno State's existence, the Marching Band is ready to deliver half time shows like never before. For the opening game on September 4th, the Band will be playing music from 1911 (the year the University opened), 1961 (the 50th anniversary of the University), and 2011. For the December football game against Illinois, the Marching Band will coordinate with the Fresno State Choir and are preparing for a half time show filled with Christmas carols and winter fun.
Anderson is very excited about the upcoming centennial season. "Each game you will see something different. We are preparing to have a different half time show each time so fans will never have to leave their seats."
The Marching Band starts practice this week in their practice lot on Barstow. The Band camp began on Monday and runs this entire week. All Band practices are open to the public. Fans are encouraged to come out and watch their Fresno State Marching Band prepare for the big centennial season of celebration.
"We Are Your Team!" The Dogs open their season in a few weeks on September 4 against defending Big East Champion Cincinnati. Don't miss any of the Bulldog football action. Ticket packages, includes season tickets for all seven home games are available now by clicking the tickets icon at the top of the page.
