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.
Reanne L. Nakapa’ahu (’14 Music Ed.) was a member of the Cougar Marching Band drumline from fall 2009 to spring 2011, when she became drum major. She held that leadership position until she graduated in spring 2014. Here, she answers some questions about her time with CMB.
What instrument did you play?
I played tenors on the drumline and was also a drum major for three years.
How many years were you in CMB?
Five years.
Were you in band in high school or middle school, too?
Yes! I started my music and journey in 2003 at King Intermediate School in Kaneohe, Hawai’i … » More …
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 …
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 …
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 …
