Levi Brandenburg
Contributing Writer
lbrandenburg1@murraystate.edu
For the first time in Murray State University history, over 400 former Racer Band members from more than four decades gathered at their alma mater, for the first official Racer Band Reunion on Nov. 15 and 16.
“It is equal parts amazing and overwhelming to be back,” Katie Curcio, an alumna who graduated as an undergraduate at Murray State in 2009 before returning as a graduate student in 2010-11, said. “I’ve smiled a lot and cried a lot.”
This reunion also marks the last year of Assistant Director of Bands John Fannin’s tenure at Murray State, as he is retiring. The reunion took place at his last football game as well. Fannin has worked on campus for 25 years and has made himself into one of the most well known figures on campus over the years.
“Seeing how many lives Fannin has touched is amazing,” Curcio said. “You kinda know it to be true but to actually see it and there is every generation, there are people from the ‘80s all the way up to the kids that are still in it now. It’s amazing to see how far-reaching his influence is.”
Over 25 years, Fannin’s magnetic personality has gathered a tight-knit and well-organized group of alumni and band members who learned about themselves along the way.
“Racer Band taught me to embrace my dreams and follow it as well as how to be a part of a community,” Jennifer Howell, a 2011 graduate, said. “Racer Band members only need to embrace that community to succeed.”
Many alumni had similar stories, telling how Racer Band helped them believe in themselves and never stop following their dreams. They also talked about the community Racer Band has formed and how it can withstand any struggles.
For others, like Curico, Racer Band had a much more powerful and all consuming influence in their lives.
“Every facet of my life is affected by something I learned in Racer Band,” Curico said, holding back tears at several points. “John Fannin taught me how to mail merge on an Apple computer. I learned how to public speak. I learned the importance of learning people’s names and making them feel like every interaction you have with them is special. It’s so much bigger than just playing music. It’s about being in a community and being able to take that lesson with you out into the world. I just want to say thank you.”