Colorado State University Marching Band Receives Special Invitation to Perform Broncos Halftime Show Oct. 11

Colorado State University’s award-winning marching band will make a special appearance during halftime at the Denver Broncos vs. New England Patriots football game on Sun., Oct. 11 at INVESCO Field at Mile High.

The band, that received national recognition in March at the College Band Directors National Association, was invited to provide entertainment at this season’s throwback game, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Denver Broncos Football Club.

“In the 1960s the CSU Marching Band played more than any other band that we’ve had in the stadium,” said Teresa Shear, director of Cheerleaders and Game Entertainment for the Denver Broncos organization. “It made sense to invite them, plus they’re awesome,” added Shear.

College and high school bands often performed at the old Mile High Stadium, but due to limited entertainment seating at INVESCO Field at Mile High, and difficult scheduling logistics, the CSU Marching is the first band invited to perform during a Broncos halftime in several years. “It is always a challenge to get them marching bands in here, but definitely they are a fan favorite,” said Shear.

“We are quite honored to receive this invitation,” said Chris Nicholas, associate director of bands at Colorado State University, about the all-expense paid trip for the 245-member band.

In keeping with the 1960s throwback theme, the band has prepared a seven-minute presentation that includes the Beatles’ “Magical Mystery Tour,” and “Twist and Shout.”

“We are excited to support their vision with this unique set created just for the Broncos halftime,” said Nicholas. “The show has been a blast to work on and the students love performing it.”

The Colorado State University Marching Band has a very full fall 2009 schedule. In addition to six home game performances, the band’s schedule contains six special events including the Broncos halftime show, the Rocky Mountain Showdown, the CSU President and Chancellor Inauguration ceremony, a fundraiser for the St. Bernard Parish Project in collaboration with the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, the CSU Homecoming Parade and the Parade of Lights in Denver on Dec. 4.

On Saturday, Oct. 3 the band traveled to Arvada for the 21st annual Pomona Invitational Marching Festival. The competition between the best bands in the state features an exhibition performance by the Colorado State University Marching Band, the only college band invited to perform at the festival.

“Internally, we have had to be incredibly organized to pull it all off,” said Nicholas. “But every season, we are gaining increased recognition about the quality of our band and music program.”

Colorado State University is encouraging all alumni and friends attending the Oct. 11 Broncos game to support the marching band by watching the halftime show and sporting, along with their orange and blue, some green and gold.

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