LSU Bands
For generations, they have heralded the spirit of victory at LSU… transforming mere instruments into the melodic roar of the Tiger faithful. The Golden Band from Tigerland is the prime ambassador of our community, the first voice to speak of the deep loyalty and love that Tigers across the globe share for our home under the stately oaks. With precision they march to the skipping heartbeat of thousands… with passion they instantly summon the sense of pride and hope that define the Tiger Spirit. So powerful is this symbol of LSU, so skilled are its members, that they do all of this… with four notes.
This legion of sound, this irresistible storm of music, this Golden symbol of all we hold dear... is LSU.
And now is the time to answer its call to action.
The Future of Tiger Band: A New Band Hall
Without a doubt, the Band program at LSU is a world-class institution. The Golden Band, the Bengal Brass, the Wind Ensemble and the many other musical ensembles at LSU represent what’s best in our university. Each student shows a daily commitment to excellence that is nothing less than inspiring. Each faculty member, some of whom have served LSU for decades, approaches each day with tireless energy and enthusiasm for one of LSU’s greatest and most visible traditions.
But to maintain the Band program’s status as an elite program among American universities, we will need to make an investment in our future: a new, state-of-the-art band hall, worthy of the program which will call it home.
Nearly half a century ago, the current band hall was large enough to house the 150-member Tiger Band.
Today, the Tiger Marching Band boasts 325 students.
While the size and quality of the band has taken a quantum leap from the 1950’s, the band hall has remained the same.
With a new facility, the Band program’s many elements will be able to practice indoor each day, regardless of weather conditions.
With a new facility, the Band program will be able to continue to recruit the very finest band members and faculty from around the world, furthering our tradition of producing the best and the brightest musicians as representatives of LSU.
Imagine the possibilities of what could be with a new band hall. Our already-outstanding program will achieve levels of success that will forge a new standard of excellence for generation after generation of Tigers.
How a New Facility Impacts Students
On any given day, 500 students will use the new Band Hall facility. The LSU Band Program is well known because of the Tiger Marching Band. But, in addition to the Marching Band, there are four more ensembles: A Wind Ensemble, which is the “elite” concert band for the School of Music, two symphonic ensembles, and the Bengal Brass, which performs for many sporting events. A portion of the students are music majors, but the majority of these students are not, coming from academic departments across the University.
Being in the Band program is not easy. It takes commitment, focus, and an inner drive to be the best. When students are surrounded by teammates and leaders who also strive to be the best, each individual member ascends to a new level of achievement… perhaps beyond what is expected or believed to be possible.
A new facility will help create that environment at LSU, an environment where there are no limits to what we can do together.
The Challenge: How We Can Achieve our Goal
This is an exciting time for the Band program, as we have seized upon an unprecedented opportunity to generate funds for this project.
Through an action of the 2007 Legislature, the State of Louisiana has appropriated $5 million toward construction of the complex. This is an act of faith by the State of Louisiana in our program, based upon the sustained level of excellence exhibited by the Band program over more than a century of history.
However, to gain this $5 million boost to the program from the Legislature, we, the friends and supporters of LSU Bands, must raise $5 million of our own.
Just as Louisiana shows its faith in LSU Bands, so must we demonstrate equal faith.
There is a deadline: the supporters of our Band program must raise its $5 million share by August 30, 2008 in order to receive the state’s matching funds. We are confident that we will accomplish this goal, because we know that Tiger Band’s friends and allies are with us in this effort.
This $10 million total is what we call our Phase 1 goal, and we are halfway there!
The Phase 1 goal will be enough to provide the essential space that our band program needs from the new facility, but an additional $5 million will be required to make this new band hall a true home for the Golden Band from Tigerland, one which will last for many years to come.
The cost of the project currently totals $15 million.
How YOU Can Help
No gift to the project is too small.
Rest assured that LSU will do everything possible to seek major gifts to fund this project from the many friends and supporters of LSU Bands.
But now is the time for us all to pull together in support of those who create the music that unites us all.
If you have ever gotten goosebumps from the “Pre-Game Salute,” give what you can to help that tradition continue.
If you have ever sung along to “Hey, Fightin’ Tigers,” spread the word about this project to the people singing along with you.
If you have ever shed a tear during the “Alma Mater,” you are who we are counting on.
How To Give to the Future of LSU Bands
There are several ways to give to the LSU Band Hall Project
If you would like to donate online, visit our LSU Bands website at www.bands.lsu.edu.
For cash donations, stock donations and planned giving options, contact the Development Office of the College of Music and Dramatic Arts at (225) 578-9286.
All donations should be made payable to The LSU Foundation with a notation in the memo line that reads “LSU Band Complex.”.
Be sure to inquire about matching gift options with your place of employment. Many companies offer to match donations made to higher education institutions like LSU.
Multi-year pledges are also a great way to join our fundraising effort. Pledges made now can be paid off over several years. The LSU Foundation will remind you regularly of your pledge balance. Your pledge can be satisfied with cash, stock, or other types of property.
The Key Player is YOU!
Whether you are a former member of LSU Bands, a parent or friend of someone in our program or a longtime fan of the Golden Band, we want you to know how much we have always appreciated your many years of support for our efforts at LSU. It is an honor to represent you and an honor to entertain you.
When those famous four notes are played, they are played for each one of you.
Let’s keep that legendary Tiger Roar echoing “Forever LSU!”
Your support is vital to the future of LSU Bands and the College of Music & Dramatic Arts. To learn more about how you can help, contact a development officer at
College of Music & Dramatic Arts
Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, LA 70803-2504
225-578-3261
FAX 225-578-2562
www.cmda.lsu.edu
