Band to expand to remain competitive

The N.C. State band is recruiting more members to entertain attendees at sports events to keep up with other major universities, and changes may be needed in factilities, according to Wes Parker, assistant director of music.

“Increased practice space has always been a major need for the entire music department,” Parker said. “Price Music Center was designed for a university smaller than 10,000 students. With NC State now growing to over 30,000, the need for a newer, larger and more appropriate facility is a must.”

According to Paul Garcia, director of bands and percussion, he hopes any expansion will enhance the quality of the band.

“If you have a major athletic school and you are looking at the bigger schools, all of them have a big band that supports athletics,” Garcia said. “All the support helps the band so much…we hope the support will continue so we can help provide the best, if not one of the best, bands in the United States.”

Improving the stature of the band on campus is also important, Parker said.

“A quality marching band is an important part of the college game-day atmosphere,” Parker said. “The marching band’s continued growth will further enhance its contributions to N.C. State’s game-day environment.”

By demonstrating consistent growth and a presence in the Wolfpack community, Garcia said he wants students to value the consistent growth of the band and their presence in the State community by not only recruiting new members, but also holding on to the current students.

Bryce Davis, a freshman in biochemistry, feels that joining the band allows musicians to meet people with a common interest.

“Even though I have only marched with State for one season, I have met so many people who enjoy to do things that I also enjoy, ” Davis said. ” It is the differences between us that is so fascinating, because you are able to meet people from a very eclectic background”

Davis said he would like to see the possibilities of music on campus continue to flourish in many ways in addition to growth of the band department.

“In expanding the band department, I can only see that it will shine a light on how great that program will be,” he said. “And maybe in the future, the band will have some more support such as the creation of a music major.”