Written by Jack Freedman

With the start of football season, the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Crusader football team became the main event on campus for several months. But there are many other student organizations who play a part in football season that often get overlooked. One of these groups is the CRU Spirit Band, who prepare diligently to perform at every home football and basketball game. 

“We have official practice for one-and-a-half to two hours on every Tuesday and every Thursday,” freshman trumpet player Timothy Feller said. “But many of the students come to the band hall and practice on their own time.” 

The Spirit Band can be seen at every home game and pep rally. In addition to performing during halftime, they also help hype up crowds and provide musical accompaniment to the cheerleaders. The band’s musical interventions help to provide excitement after the Crusaders score. They often play renditions of popular songs that have been chosen by band directors Michael Garasi and Jared Hunt. 

“I really like the song selections that our directors pick,” freshman cymbalist Paul Barry said. “My favorite part of Spirit Band is just being able to perform for everyone with all the energy in the air.” 

During their halftime performances, the Spirit Band is often accompanied by at least two baton twirlers. 

“Since there’s only two of us, our practice is a lot shorter [than the Spirit Band],” junior baton twirler Mary Lindsey said. “We’re not in cheer; we’re our own thing. We work with the band director, even though we don’t play an instrument. My favorite part about working with the band is the energy. There are a lot of really fun people.” 

An hour before every football game, the Spirit Band joins the football team in a pregame pep rally at Bawcom Student Union called the CRUise. During this time, the team parades through Bawcom while the Spirit Band and cheerleaders hype up everyone in attendance.  

“I enjoy having to come together as a team to perform,” freshman alto saxophonist William Stein said. 

Despite its association with the music department, not all the members of the Spirit Band are music majors. The band is open to all UMHB students and is one of the largest spirit groups on campus. 

“Regardless of our majors, we’re able to get together, perform and have a lot of fun,” Feller said.