MSU marching band raises funds to participate in a national championship game

BOZEMAN – Montana State University has launched a fundraising campaign to cover the cost of the Spirit of the West Marching Band, which will accompany the Bobcats in their FCS football national championship game on January 6, 2025 in Frisco, Texas.

“The spirit of the West is an integral part of every game day experience at Montana State,” said MSU President Waded Cruzado. “The energy and enthusiasm they bring is unmatched and their commitment to our cats is second to none.”

Terry Leist, MSU’s vice president of administration and finance, said the university’s budget does not include playoff trips for the band and the NCAA does not provide resources for bands to accompany their teams.

To ensure the timely arrival of the student band members, their equipment and their instruments, a charter flight as well as accommodation, food and ground transportation is required. In total, the band’s travel expenses to get to and from Frisco are expected to be approximately $300,000.

“We want to make one thing clear: The spirit of the West goes to Frisco,” Leist said. “Generous donations from our fans, community and Bobcat supporters will help the university cover its travel costs.”

The band Spirit of the West was founded in 1983 and recently celebrated its 40th anniversary. The nearly 200 student members come from all MSU colleges and can be seen – and heard – at all MSU home football games and many other events on campus and in the Bozeman community.

Led by Nathan Stark, the band begins its work each August with camps, rehearsals and performances, with members regularly spending more than 200 hours together each semester, resulting in strong bonds and lifelong friendships.

Stark said when the band traveled with the Bobcats to the national title game in Frisco in 2022, it was the first time for some band members that they had flown on a plane. He said the halftime performance was one of the band’s best during his 13 years as director.

“It was one of those electric moments where the band looked great and we sounded great,” Stark said. “The audience was really into it and cheered us on. It was great.”

For information on how to support the Spirit of the West band or make a donation to support their travel expenses, visit https://www.montana.edu/sotw.