Video: Marching Golden Flashes Get First Look at New Facility

Video: Marching Golden Flashes Get First Look at New Facility

New rehearsal and education facility will aid in recruiting and retaining talented musicians

“When you visit universities that feature large marching bands, all of them have a facility like this,” said �鶹��ý President Todd Diacon.

On Nov. 18, he and other campus members got their first look at the newly renovated Kent State Ice Arena, which now houses a state-of-the-art space for the Marching Golden Flashes.

The renovations transformed part of the ice arena into a dedicated facility for the marching band, which has grown by an incredible 155% in the last five years to its current level of 265 student musicians.

“Having a first-class rehearsal space will aid in recruiting and retaining talented musicians while also creating more room in the School of Music for other uses,” Diacon told Kent State Today.

The new facility features a large rehearsal space, two small ensemble auxiliary rehearsal spaces and ample storage.

Hitting the Right Note

“This incredible new facility is a game changer for our program,” said Darin Olson, D.M.A., director of athletic bands and associate director of bands. “Designed specifically to meet the needs of our students, it will have a lasting impact on the student experience while helping us recruit and retain students from all majors across campus.”

The new space enables all sections of the Marching Golden Flashes to rehearse simultaneously indoors – a significant improvement over the band’s previous outdoor rehearsal area. The marching band includes students from across the university and is open to all majors.

“I love the room. I love the instant noise dampening that happens when you stop playing,” said May McPherson, a freshman geology major and clarinet player in the Marching Golden Flashes. “It’s clearly a very well thought-out space that’s very much designed around having a band in the space.”

In addition to supporting the band, the renovated arena will continue hosting Kent State’s American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) hockey team, figure skating team and community programs. Public skating sessions will resume at a later date.

The Nov. 18 rehearsal comes one day before the Wagon Wheel rivalry is renewed, as the Kent State Golden Flashes host the Akron Zips at Dix Stadium. It will also be the annual Prez D Freeze-Out game, and students will take home a free bomber hat, enjoy complimentary refreshments and have a chance to win great prizes during the game.

Nov. 19 is also Senior Day, when members of the football program and Marching Golden Flashes will be recognized for their contributions to Kent State.

Kickoff for the game is set for 7 p.m. on Nov. 19.

POSTED: Monday, November 18, 2024 05:50 PM

Updated: Tuesday, November 19, 2024 04:38 PM

PHOTO CREDIT:

Rami Daud, Mike Rich

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