MSU Pride Marching Band will perform, represent Missouri at Trump's inauguration

The message went out Thursday morning. Members of the Missouri State University marching band were told to check their email.

It didn't take long for the news to get out: The Pride Marching Band — no stranger to the national spotlight — will be part of the Jan. 20 inauguration of President Donald Trump.

Details of the Washington, D.C. trip and the exact role the marching band will play in the 47th U.S. President's return to the White House for a second term are expected to be released Jan. 6.

Shawn Wahl, dean of the Reynolds College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, confirmed the invitation. "Yes, we are going."

The marching band has more than 300 student members.

He said the university submitted a portfolio to be part of the 2025 U.S. Presidential inauguration, a competitive process that involves requesting letters of support from the governor, lawmakers and others.

The application goes to the inauguration selection committee and if an invitation is extended, as it was in this situation, there is a lot to accomplish in a short period of time.

The spring semester starts Jan. 13 and with students on break, the band used social media and email to reach out to band members.

Missouri State is no stranger to U.S. Presidential inaugurations.

Wahl said the university was interested in performing in early 2025, regardless of the outcome of the election.

In January 2017, the MSU Chorale performed during the nationally televised 58th presidential inauguration. Under the direction of Cameron LaBarr, they performed during the swearing-in ceremony for Trump's first term.

The Pride Marching Band has performed at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Tournament of Roses Parade, the Orange Bowl Parade and at NFL games. The band also traveled to London to participate in a New Year's Day parade.

In mid-October, they performed at the inauguration of Richard "Biff" Williams, the 12th president of Missouri State University.

Wahl said the university is always looking for ways to provide educational experiences for students and raise the profile of Missouri State.

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In mid-November, the Pride Band was one of three college bands selected to perform Bands of America Grand National Championship in Indiana.

"An opportunity to perform at the presidential inauguration is just a tremendous honor for the university and for the students," he said.

He said details are still being worked out including the travel arrangements, itinerary and other events for the band.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: MSU Pride Marching Band will perform at Donald Trump's inauguration