Former members of the Lion Pride Marching Band at Missouri Southern State University will soon have one more chance to represent the green and gold.
As part of a new tradition, the first Lion Pride Alumni Band will play at the Sept. 21 football game between the Missouri Southern Lions and Lincoln University. The Missouri Southern Music Department invites everyone who has ever performed with the Lion Pride Marching Band to join in.
“We will have a color guard routine as well as a baton routine to accompany the music,” says Brian Fronzaglia, Director of Athletic Bands. “If you have sold or lost your instrument, do not worry because we can provide a limited number of instruments. Let us know that you will require an instrument and we will do our best to get one in your hands.”
Fronzaglia says those who are interested should join the MSSU Alumni Band Facebook page.
This year, Missouri Southern will welcome back Dr. Wayne Harrell as Alumni Band conductor. The Alumni Band will perform alongside the current Lion Pride Marching Band (LPMB) in selections of the 1970s song “Rubberband Man” and the MSSU Alma Mater and Fight Song.
Festivities for Sept. 21 will be as follows:
10 – 11:30 a.m., Rehearsal in Fred G. Hughes Stadium. Parking will be limited that day but participants can park on campus if necessary.
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. –Lion Pride Marching Band Tailgate. Alumni Band members are welcome. Food and beverages provided by the MSSU Athletic Department
2:37 p.m. – Kickoff of game vs. Lincoln
Tickets for the game will be provided to Athletic Band members, although family and friends will have to purchase tickets through the MSSU Athletic Department in advance or at the stadium on the day of the game.
Those emailing should provide their name, address, phone number, instrument, and year(s) they participated in the Lion Pride Marching Band and whether MSSU will need to provide an instrument. The information should be emailed to mssualumniband@gmail.com