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Fall 2024

Clubs / Organizations

Woman singing in mariachi band with musicians behind her
Fall 2024

Bringing joy and mariachi to WSU

Washington State University seniors Natalie Valdez and Daniela Alpire went to high school and played mariachi music together in Wenatchee, Washington.

At WSU, they missed the music and the camaraderie associated with being in a mariachi band, so the pair formed one of Washington State University’s newest musical groups: Mariachi Leones del Monte—loosely translated by its members as Cougar Mariachi.  

Now, the distinct sound of mariachi—an infectious blend of singing, trumpets, violins, and various guitars—brings joy and danceable tunes to the WSU Pullman campus.  

 

 

Read more in “Celebrating joy and growth,” Fall 2024 issue of Washington State Magazine. 

Spring 2024

Sweet beats with the Cougar Marching Band

The WSU Fight Song, the roaring crowd, the electric atmosphere.

Washington State University’s Cougar Marching Band is often the heart and soul that connects WSU alumni and fans at these games.

In this episode, new Cougar Marching Band director Jon Sweet takes magazine associate editor Adriana Janovich behind the scenes. He talks about the music, the marching, the fans, and the incredible Coug spirit in the band.

This episode’s music is from the Cougar Marching Band at a November 2023 football game.

The Cougar Marching Band is raising money for new uniforms. Learn more or donate for the uniforms.

Transcript

 

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WSU Cougar Marching Band members marching on the football field
Spring 2024

Catch the Cougar Marching Band spirit

A football gameday in the life of the  Washington State University band

Produced by WSU Video Services

 

More about the Cougar Marching Band

The band plays on (Spring 2024)

Voices of Cougar Marching Band students: The band life in their own words

Cougar Marching Band memories from band alumni

Meet Jon Sweet: The new director of Cougar Marching Band hopes to grow the program and enhance the student experience

Cougar Marching Band

Give to Cougar Marching Band Uniform Campaign for 2023-2024

Spring 2024

Voices of Cougar Marching Band students: The band life in their own words

They’re out there, on the field, six hours before kickoff to rehearse. Later comes inspection to make sure they look sharp. Then they’re on the march—to Cougar Prowl to welcome the players, around the RV lot off Stadium Way to play for die-hard fans, onto Rogers Field for a performance at Cougville to play for more die-hard fans, and, finally, back to the field itself for the pregame and halftime show, and everything in between and after.

Home game days make for long days for members of the Cougar Marching Band, who balance rehearsal with classes, homework, work, socializing, and other activities. Here, some … » More …

Spring 2024

Cougar Marching Band memories

From bowl games, band camps, and snowy pregame and halftime shows, to particular pieces of music and enduring friendships, Cougar Marching Band alumni carry lots of fond memories. Here, they share a few favorites from throughout the past five decades.

 

Lee Ann Fordyce (’72 Comm.) lists these memories of Cougar Marching Band from 1968 to 1970

Learning the fight songs for the other PAC-8 schools
Stopping at Central to practice our halftime show on our way to Seattle for the 1969 Apple Cup. Boy, was it windy in Ellensburg!
Sadly, having a band director who felt we weren’t … » More …