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Progress Marches On for the Pride of the Dakotas
The performance at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2022 will be only the next step in a century-long parade of prestigious musical accomplishments.
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In 1966, after witnessing the SDSU marching band’s impressive half-time performance, public address announcer Craig McNamara christened the band as “The Pride of the Dakotas.”
While the announcer never believed his name for the group would stick, the band has continued to do what they do best: make the university proud.
Marking 120 years after the band gave their first formal concert performance in 1902, the Pride will again make history in 2022 by completing the “Triple Crown” of great American parades with a bid to perform at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Rounding out their experiences of participating in a presidential inaugural parade and the Parade of Roses, the Pride’s trip to Herald Square will fulfill the trifecta of trademark performances few bands achieve.
While the prospect of playing at the Macy’s Parade is a signature milestone for the Pride, the group is far from unaccustomed to sharing remarkable performances.
Throughout its storied history, the Pride has also performed at multiple games for the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers.
Director of Athletic Bands, Dr. Kevin Kessler has already noticed the impact of the upcoming Macy’s Parade performance on the Pride. “Our band has experienced a nearly 20% increase in enrollment this year alone, a combination of a large freshman class as well as improved retention,” said Kessler. “Certainly, the prospect of performing in New York next year has driven part of this growth, and we expect to be even larger next year.”
Even before the Macy’s Parade announcement, the Pride was on an upward trajectory for participation. The band experienced an enrollment increase of about 35% since 2015.
Aside from the group’s prestige and landmark accolades, the increasing popularity of the group can be attributed to its inclusivity and diversity. Any student who wishes to join the Pride may do so, regardless of major. In fact, 80% of the Pride of the Dakotas, pep bands, and concert bands are comprised of non-music majors.
Kevin Kessler | Director of Athletic BandsI love that our students represent so many different majors. They may have different interests and career aspirations, but they're brought together by their love of music and the university. Their energy is what keeps me going.
Keeping things going is exactly what Kessler intends to do when it comes to the Pride’s momentum. He explains that having performed as a student himself years ago, he better understands the history of the group and its impact on the university overall.
He also recalls participating in two of the Pride’s landmark performances himself. “As a member of the band, I’ll never forget playing for President Clinton in Sioux Falls the night before the 1996 election, and a few weeks later in the Inaugural Parade.”
Kessler’s journey with the Pride is proof of the many irreplaceable experiences offered to students who participate in SDSU’s infamous marching band.
From performing for actual royalty to providing local classics like the fight song at each Hobo Day, the Pride continues to serve as the backbone of the university, present for all important Jackrabbit days and lending an unfailing dose of school spirit.
The performance at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will be only the next step in a century-long parade of prestigious musical accomplishments.
