UM Marching Band Day Welcomes Montana Youth into Griz Country

This past Saturday, the University of Montana's Washington-Grizzly Stadium buzzed with excitement as the Grizzly Marching Band hosted its annual Band Day, inviting middle and high school students from across Montana to join them on the field. For many of these young musicians, it was their first time performing in front of a crowd exceeding 25,000—a truly transformative experience.

Participants traveled from various corners of Big Sky Country to immerse themselves in UM's unparalleled gameday atmosphere, becoming honorary members of the Grizzly Marching Band for a day. Dr. Kevin Griggs, the band's director, emphasized the event's significance:

“It's an opportunity for area high school or even middle school students to come and spend the day with the marching band,” Griggs said. “They perform with us and find out what a gameday is like. They start building some great memories.”

The day kicked off at 8 a.m. with student check-in, followed by an information meeting in the Music Recital Hall. By 9 a.m., the young musicians were on the field, rehearsing college-level drills in preparation for the halftime show. The rigorous schedule also included participation in the Griz Walk, a pre-game performance, and, of course, the halftime show alongside the Grizzly Marching Band.

While the itinerary was demanding, the excitement among the students was palpable. Many began the day with nerves but quickly found their footing. Griggs noted, “They're really excited to be part of something as big and exciting as Grizzly Gameday. High school is just a different set of expectations. It's just not the same as what we have on campus.”

The event also serves as a mentorship opportunity for current Grizzly Marching Band members, many of whom once participated in Band Day themselves. This tradition fosters a sense of community and continuity within the band. Griggs believes that such experiences can influence students' future educational choices:

“I think that it does make a difference. Any time you can get a student on campus, it helps them feel at home when they make their decision.”

One such student is Hunter Bruso, a first-year music education major from Darby. Bruso attended Band Day three times during high school and is now a percussionist in the Grizzly Marching Band. Reflecting on his first Band Day experience, Bruso shared,

“It was just so intense being on the field. I was anxious when I first got there, but once you get over that anxiety, the internal energy boost you get inside sets off a chain reaction.”

By his third Band Day, Bruso was confident that UM was the right fit for him. He was particularly drawn to the university's vibrant music community and the palpable school spirit. Now, as a member of the Grizzly Marching Band, Bruso is eager to welcome younger students and help them have a positive experience, just as he did.

“I'm excited to get people to want to be in the marching band,” Bruso said. “As a person who came to the Griz days, I personally know the excitement, the anxiety, and the anticipation.”

For students considering participating in future Band Days, Bruso offers this advice:

“If you're thinking about coming to college here, the music days will give you a head start.”

Reflecting on his journey, Bruso feels a deep sense of accomplishment. “I'm now a part of what I aspired to be,” he said. “It feels good, like I deserve to be here and worked to be here.”

For more information about Band Day and how to participate, visit the Grizzly Marching Band's official page.