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
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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.
Paige “Athena” Haddas
Nov 1
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
Oct 18
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
Sep 25
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 13
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
Aug 29
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
Grace Wennerberg
Nov 22, 2023
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 3, 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
Oct 20, 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
Sep 22, 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 15, 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 8, 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
Aug 31, 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
Savannah Harris
Nov 19, 2022
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 12, 2022
Drums in Motion
Day in and Day out, the Spartan Drumline eats, sleeps, and breathes drumming.
Savannah Harris
Oct 28, 2022
Women in Music
50th anniversary of Title IX. Both of these ensembles not only perform with excellence, but have their part in furthering social change
Savannah Harris
Oct 14, 2022
Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma
Out of the sea of thankless positions, Fraternity Kappa Kappa Psi and Sorority Tau Beta Sigma aid the band in numerous ways
Savannah Harris
Oct 7, 2022
A Day in the Life of a Spartan Tuba
Another influential aspect of the tuba section is its incorporation of women in a traditionally masculine section.
Savannah Harris
Sep 23, 2022
SMB Dream Team
An unknown star of the MSU Saturday night lights is the Dream Team, more formally known as Physical Operations.
Savannah Harris
Sep 9, 2022
Returning to Excellence
This year marks the 153rd preseason for the Spartan Marching Band. Over the years, traditions such as kick stepping onto the field.
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