Xavier rebrands its marching band sound

March 15, 2023

By Cristen Tolbert, Staff Writer

There is a new tune on campus and it’s the sound that comes from the Golden Sound Marching Band, Xavier’s rebranded performing musical ensemble. Formerly the Xavier University Pep Band, the Golden Sound is a partnership between Xavier’s athletics program and Music department.

“It felt good, especially being first. It ain’t too many times you can be the first to do something at a 100-year-old school,” said Keith Wilson Jr., the drum major of the Golden Sound Marching Band. “Especially being a drum major, it’s an honor to be able to make history at a monument like Xavier,” he added.

The Golden Sound Marching band, the university’s Pep Band, was formed in 2019 by Darren Rodgers, the pep band director, to play at basketball games and to represent Xavier as a musical ensemble. There are now sixty members performing in the band, but new members of any ability level are always welcome, the team said. The band performed for the first time in its new role for Mardi Gras 2023 in the Mystic Krewe of Femme Fatale parade.

“The past four years have been really hard with growing the band to a place where we can be recognized and march in a parade like this, so it was really great to see history being made because we’re only getting better from here,” said Kalia Howard, a flutist of the band. “I was especially happy because I got to be a part of that,” she added.

Having performed over 50 times as the pep band, the Golden Sound Marching Band had prior experience before their Mardi Gras debut. From pop to hip-hop, all sorts of music were played based on popularity and to catch the attention of the crowd.

“I wasn’t nervous, it was just another performance and we’ve performed many times,” said Aryn Cooper, a trumpet section member. “Hearing how many people were excited was an amazing experience. I had no idea how many people would be there to support us and that would call it history,” Cooper said.

The band practiced for at least six months leading up to the big performance. The band put forth a lot of time and effort every day, even on weekends, learning new tunes and marching across Xavier’s campus to build endurance, members said.

There are no scheduled performances for the Xavier band in the near future, although they could have a few surprise appearances throughout the semester. The upcoming academic year will mark the start of the next recruiting season.

“By showing up to practice every day, having faith in my band members and the goals that we’re working toward,” said Micah Cook, a saxophone player in the band. “But ultimately by having fun and enjoying what we’re doing – although my band mates be getting on my nerves,” he added.