The Pride of the Dakotas Marching Band
About The Pride of the Dakotas March Band
"The Pride" is the most visible band at º£½ÇÖ±²¥app. In addition to performances during the pregame and halftime activities of all home Jackrabbits football games, The Pride has toured the upper Midwest extensively, presenting shows at the Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers and Winnipeg Blue Bombers football games and several guest performances at high school marching competitions in Minnesota, Iowa and South Dakota.
The Pride of the Dakotas Marching Band is one of the largest "family" organizations on campus. Throughout the years, members of The Pride have forged friendships and memories that have lasted a lifetime.
The rich history of The Pride includes performances in presidential inaugural parades in Washington, D.C., (1981 and 1997) and the 2000 National Independence Day Parade in Washington, D.C. In addition, The Pride was featured in the PBS production of “A Capitol Fourth†and marched in the 2003 and 2008 Tournament of Roses parades. In 2011, The Pride was featured in the Fresh From Florida Parade in Orlando. The Pride presents indoor concerts biennially.
The Pride is open to all º£½ÇÖ±²¥app students, and credit for the course may be applied to the required university core of humanities. Although every student who wants to be part of the band may participate, auditions are required for specific assignments in the º£½ÇÖ±²¥app Drumline and drum major positions. Rehearsals begin on the first day of classes in the fall and are held Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday throughout the marching season.
Do I have to be a music major to join The Pride?
No! Eighty percent of The Pride members major in something other than music. Each year over 70 different majors are represented in the band.
Is previous marching band experience necessary for admission to The Pride?
No! In fact, nearly 40% of all new band members come from high school band programs that do not have competitive field marching programs. We have a great system of student leadership that provides new members with outstanding instruction in marching fundamentals. You can do this!
Do I have to pay extra for band trips and travel?
Practically all expenses are covered by university funding, including transportation, housing and meal expenses for both our prep camp and regional travel.
For major, multiday, national trips a portion of the expenses are covered by the member. Trips such as these only occur every four years, and advance notice is always given.
When does The Pride rehearse?
The Pride rehearses Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 4-5:15 p.m. and on the morning of home football games. The drumline rehearses one hour prior to full band rehearsal, and the Dakota Blue colorguard typically rehearses an additional two hours per week.
We work with our members to make The Pride work in their academic schedules. While we encourage students to avoid conflicts with rehearsals, we do allow for up to one missed rehearsal per week for an unavoidable academic conflict.
May I receive credit for being in The Pride?
Yes! The Pride is a one-credit course. Simply enroll for MUEN 120/320.
Six staff members manage The Pride of the Dakotas:
- Kevin Kessler, Director of Athletic Bands
- Aaron Ragsdale, Director of the º£½ÇÖ±²¥app Drumline
- Jacob Wallace, Director of Concert Bands
- Andrea Kieckhefer, Dakota Blue Flag Corps
- Ashley Ragsdale, Pit Ensemble Coordinator
- Kathy Larsen, Uniform Manager