WT Marching Band to Celebrate Legacy in 2024 Halftime Show

Copy by Chip Chandler, 806-651-2124, [email protected]

CANYON, Texas - The West Texas A&M University Buffalo Marching Band is digging into the vault in 2024.

The band's halftime show-debuting during the Sept. 14 WT Football game against Western Colorado University in Bain-Schaeffer Buffalo Stadium-will take audiences on a journey through time, said Dr. B.J. Brooks, director of the marching band and the WT School of Music.

"This performance is a celebration of the Buffalo Marching Band's enduring 107-year legacy," Brooks said. "We'll feature an electrifying lineup of music, with timeless favorites from each decade.

"What makes this year's show unique is its celebration of the band's rich history, honoring the musical traditions that have been passed down through generations," Brooks continued. "We are bringing back beloved tunes from the past, mixing them with modern favorites, and showcasing the power, energy and unity that only a marching band can provide."

Selections will include "Rhapsody in Blue," "Sing, Sing, Sing," "In the Mood," the themes from "Peter Gunn" and "Rocky," "Wipe Out," "The Horse," "When a Man Loves a Woman," "Seven Nation Army," "Despacito" and "Malagueña."

The Sound of West Texas marching band is comprised of 151 music majors and nonmajors alike and is a longtime anchor of WT's School of Music in the Sybil B. Harrington College of Fine Arts and Humanities.

The band began a week of full-day rehearsals Aug. 19; percussion started with a half-day of rehearsals Aug. 16, and color guard members and band leadership began Aug. 18.

Head drum major is Erin Hinds, a senior music education major from Amarillo.

Assistant drum majors are Dillon Martin, a junior music education major from Odessa, and Spencer Owens, a senior music education major from Levelland.

Guard captain captains are Abigail Hite, a senior music education major from Harker Heights, and Jazmyn McKeel, a junior music therapy major from Wylie. Guard captains assist Brooks in preparing their squad for performances.

Marching techs are Isaiah Nañez, a sophomore music business major from Dumas; Faith Powell, a senior music education major from Amarillo; Jack Montgomery, a junior education major from College Station; and Seth Meason, a senior music business major from Amarillo. The marching techs are responsible for organizing the marching and visual technique for the band, helping to teach and polish the marching show.

Backfield conductors are Damonusess "DJ" Brooks Jr., a junior music performance major from Houston; Jeran Nolan, a senior music education major from Stinnett; and William Rodriguez, a sophomore music education major from Amarillo.

Assistant marching band directors are Dr. Ryan Boehme, assistant professor of music, and David Lough, instructor of trumpet.

Fostering an appreciation of the arts and campus spirit are key components of the University's long-range plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World.

That plan is fueled by the historic One West comprehensive fundraising campaign, which reached its initial $125 million goal 18 months after publicly launching in September 2021. The campaign's new goal is to reach $175 million by 2025; currently, it has raised nearly $160 million.

About West Texas A&M University

WT, a Regional Research University, is redefining excellence in Canyon, Texas, on a 342-acre residential campus, as well as the Harrington Academic Hall WTAMU Amarillo Center in downtown Amarillo. Established in 1910, the University has been part of The Texas A&M University System since 1990. WT, a Hispanic Serving Institution since 2016, boasts an enrollment of more than 9,000 and offers 58 undergraduate degree programs, one associate degree, and 44 graduate degrees, including an integrated bachelor's and master's degree, a specialist degree and two doctoral degrees. The University is also home to the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, the largest history museum in the state and the home of one of the Southwest's finest art collections. The Buffaloes are a member of the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference and offers 14 men's and women's athletics programs.

Photo: The Sound of West Texas Buffalo Marching Band leadership for 2024-2025 includes, front from left, Maddie Worley, Dillon Martin, Erin Hinds, William Rodriguez, Kendyl Moore, Jazmyn McKeel and Abigail Hite; and, back from left, Aidan Caballero, Colton Gallandat, Damonusess "DJ" Brooks Jr., Jeran Nolen, Seth Meason, Spencer Owens, Jack Montgomery and Isaiah Nañez.

-WT-

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