Pride of the Dakotas Marching Band
About the Pride of the Dakotas
"The Pride" is the most visible band at SDSU. In addition to performances during the pregame and halftime activities of all home Jackrabbit football games, the Pride has toured the Upper Midwest extensively, presenting shows at the Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers and Winnipeg Blue Bombers football games and several guest performances at high school marching competitions in Minnesota, Iowa and South Dakota.
The Pride of the Dakotas is one of the largest "family" organizations on campus. Throughout the years, members of the Pride have forged friendships and memories that have lasted a lifetime.
The rich history of the Pride includes performances in Presidential Inaugural Parades in Washington, D.C. (1981 and 1997) and the 2000 National Independence Day Parade in Washington D.C. In addition, the Pride was featured in the PBS Production of “A Capitol Fourth,” and marched in the 2003 and 2008 Tournament of Roses Parades. In 2011, the Pride was featured in the Fresh From Florida Parade in Orlando. They present indoor concerts biennially.
The Pride is open to all SDSU students and credit for the course may be applied to the required University core of humanities. Although every student who wants to be part of the band may participate, auditions are required for specific assignments in the SDSU Drumline and drum major positions. Rehearsals begin on the first day of classes in the fall and are held Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday throughout the marching season.
Do I have to be a music major to join the Pride?
No. 80% of the Pride of the Dakotas, Pep Bands and Concert Bands are comprised of non-music majors. Each year we have over 30 different majors represented in our band enrollment.
Is previous marching band experience necessary for admission to the Pride?
No. In fact, nearly 60% of all new band members come from high school band programs that have no marching programs. We have a great system of student leadership that provides new members with outstanding instruction in marching fundamentals.
Do I have to pay extra for band trips and travel?
Practically all expenses are covered by university funding, including transportation, housing and meal expenses. For major, multi-day trips such as previous trips to Florida and California, some additional funding is required and may include fundraising. Trips such as these only occur every four years, and advance notice is always given.
When do each of the bands practice?
The Pride practices Monday through Friday at 4 p.m. for one hour. Schedule conflicts are not encouraged, but policies permit one schedule conflict per week for such things as science labs and honors courses. The Symphonic Band meets one day per week through Marching Band season, then meets three days a week after Marching Band is completed. All other concert bands begin at the end of Marching Band season. Jazz Ensembles meet both semesters.
May I receive credit for being in the Pride?
Yes! All ensembles are one-credit courses. Ensembles meet the pre-2012 Institutional General Education Requirement #3 and the new Institutional General Education Requirement #2.
Six staff members manage The Pride of the Dakotas:
- Kevin Kessler, Director of Athletic Bands
- Aaron Ragsdale, Director of the SDSU Drumline
- Jacob Wallace, Director of Bands
- Andrea Kieckhefer, Dakota Blue Flag Corps
- Ashley Ragsdale, Pit Ensemble Coordinator
- Kathy Larsen, Uniform and Equipment Manager
