Spring 2024
The band plays on
The Cougar Marching Band revs up the crowd, motivates athletes, and plays the soundtrack of the Washington State University experience. » More ...
Student musicians
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
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 …
Spring 2024
Meet Jon Sweet: Director of Cougar Marching Band
He wasn’t really looking to leave.
Jon Sweet was happy at Purdue University, where he was assistant director and drill designer of the marching band and also conducted the concert band and a pep band.
Then, a friend alerted him to the position at Washington State University and encouraged him to apply. “I looked at it, and it seemed like a really great fit,” says Sweet, who—after six years at Purdue—started as the new director of Cougar Marching Band last June 1.
Sweet holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from Abilene Christian University in Texas, a master’s degree in conducting from Stephen … » More …