Pioneer Spirit Marching Band announces fall performance schedule

The Pioneer Spirit Marching Band was established in 1994 and will continue this fall with a full schedule of performances.

“Many people asked when the University eliminated intercollegiate football whether or not that meant that we were lessening our commitment to marching band,” said Director of Bands Otis French. “Nothing could be further from the truth. Our band is in growth mode and we have a full schedule of performances as the featured collegiate band for high school band shows and local high school football games. Our performance opportunities have actually increased for this year compared to last.”

Completing their first year in leading the program, French and Associate Director Jason Wyse have increased the emphasis on recruiting high school students interested in band and worked hard to retain current participants.

“We’re thrilled that all of our underclassmen from last year have returned to the program for this season,” said Wyse. “I think that says something about the experience provided to students. The band will be larger this year and we’re seeing increased interest overall.”

A full slate of activities have been planned to celebrate the 25th anniversary of marching band at Malone, including a call for former members of the band to return to their alma mater to play a show with the current band.

In addition to performances on Malone's campus, the Pioneer Spirit Marching Band will perform this fall as the featured collegiate band at:

Sept. 14 – Jackson High School Band Show, 6 p.m.
Sept. 21 – Stow High School Band Show, 6 p.m.
Sept. 27 – Fairless High School football game halftime performance, 7 p.m.
Sept. 28 – East Palestine High School football game halftime performance, 6 p.m.
Oct. 4 – Sandy Valley High School football game halftime performance, 7 p.m.
Oct. 5 – Orrville High School Band Show, 6:30 p.m.