Most of you are too young to remember when the Cougar Marching Band in the late 60's and early 70's had an electric and bass guitar with 40"woofers on the sidelines. When the band went to the games early and played for 30 min. before the game, during the game, and for 45 min. after the game. When the band had a half-time show EVERY WEEK, and 3 pre-game shows.

When the band had write ups in the papers along with the football and basketball teams. When we visited ASU and their band members came over and said how much fun it would be to be in our band and play the music we played - current songs (for the day), not stock material. When our marching style was very precise and interesting.

Grant Elkington started the trend, and it was fantastic. We once sent a score to the Florida A&M band who at the time was a top band, they returned it saying no marching band could play that music. But we did.

And all with few if any music majors. There were a few, but most were students in other majors who did it just because they loved it. Everyone who wanted to play was welcome.

Came a week early, practiced every day for 2 hours during football, even played for the basketball games. Leadership is the key.