The Washington State University Cougar Marching Band has reached a record 260 student members this fall, marking its largest roster since the ensemble was founded in 1899, Dailyfly News reported.
According to the report, the milestone comes as the band prepares to perform during WSU’s Homecoming football game against Boise State on Saturday, Oct. 24, at Gesa Field in Pullman. The band’s membership represents students from more than 70 academic majors, with nearly 80% pursuing degrees outside of music performance or music education. Common majors include biology, mechanical engineering and animal sciences, along with psychology, nursing and chemistry.
Jon Sweet, director of the Cougar Marching Band, said the ensemble is the largest the school has ever had based on available records, praising students for their tenacity and resiliency. The band is open to students with high school instrumental music experience regardless of college major.
The ensemble prepares a different halftime performance for every home football game, with rehearsals beginning each Monday and a final practice at Gesa Field on Saturday mornings. For Homecoming, the band will perform music from the James Bond film franchise. A Nov. 14 halftime show against Colorado State will incorporate LED lighting on uniforms while stadium lights are turned off.
The band will also participate in events celebrating the WSU School of Music’s 125th anniversary, including a gala concert scheduled for Feb. 19, 2027, at Beasley Coliseum.
For more information, visit dailyfly.com.