In the News
Muskingum University Announces Return of Marching Band
NEW CONCORD, Ohio – Muskingum University is bringing the excitement, energy, and tradition of marching band back to campus with the launch of the Muskingum Marching Band, the "Marching Muskies," debuting in fall 2027.
The initiative reflects Muskingum's commitment to enhancing the student experience and creating new opportunities for involvement, school spirit, and campus engagement. Under President Flavius Lilly's leadership, the University continues to pursue strategic initiatives that support enrollment growth, strengthen student engagement, and enrich campus life.
Music and the arts have long been central to the Muskingum experience. The University's Department of Music offers a wide range of academic and performance opportunities for students of all majors, and adding marching band will bring a new, highly visible dimension to that tradition.
"There is a great deal of excitement about the return of marching band to Muskingum among students, faculty, staff, alumni, and prospective students," said Associate Professor of Music and Director of Bands Dr. David Turrill. "For many young musicians, marching band is an important part of their identity and high school experience. Many students want to continue performing and growing as musicians in college, and we're thrilled to make that possible at Muskingum. The Marching Muskies will add energy, school spirit, and a new dimension to the game-day experience. We look forward to seeing the band become a vibrant part of campus life and a source of pride for the entire Muskingum community."
For generations of student musicians, marching band has been much more than an extracurricular activity. It provides opportunities for leadership, friendship, school spirit, and personal growth while fostering a strong sense of belonging. Muskingum's new marching band will allow students to continue that experience in college while contributing to the University's traditions and campus culture.
The Marching Muskies will perform at home football games during the fall and continue as an energetic pep band presence at selected athletic events throughout the spring semester. Participation will be open to students from all academic disciplines.
The donor-funded initiative represents a significant investment in the future of instrumental music at Muskingum and will support the purchase of instruments, uniforms, and equipment needed to launch the program. The University is currently searching for a Director of Marching Band and plans to fill the position by the end of the fall semester to lead recruiting efforts and prepare for the band's inaugural season.
Recruitment is already underway, and the opportunity is being shared with prospective students and families. Marching Muskies members will be eligible for a $1,000 annual participation scholarship, which may be combined with one other core ensemble scholarship or the University's $3,000 Music Major Scholarship. The University is also developing new visual branding and promotional materials to establish a distinctive identity for the Marching Muskies.
The return of marching band builds upon Muskingum's vibrant instrumental music program, which includes concert, jazz, athletic, and other ensembles. Together, these opportunities allow students to continue performing at a high level while pursuing any of the University's academic programs.
As preparations continue for the band's debut in fall 2027, the University will announce additional information and opportunities for prospective students to get involved in the coming months. The University is currently hiring a Director of Marching Band to lead recruiting efforts and prepare the band for its inaugural season. While the search is underway, prospective students and others interested in joining the Marching Muskies are encouraged to contact Daniel Strychacz, Assistant Professor of Music and Department Chair, at 740-826-8104 or dstrycha@muskingum.edu. To learn more about the program, scholarship opportunities, and how to get involved, visit the Marching Muskies website at https://www.muskingum.edu/academics/music/marching-band.
About the Muskingum University Department of Music
The music program at Muskingum University is housed in the Arts & Humanities Division and welcomes students from all backgrounds, skills, and experiences. With a cutting-edge curriculum, the music department offers bachelor’s degrees in music and music education, as well as minors in music, music theatre, popular music, and music & culture. Numerous performance opportunities are available for students of all majors in a wide variety of ensembles, including band, choir, orchestra, jazz ensemble, musical theatre, rock band, steel drum band, and other chamber ensembles.
