Ava Chuppe Contributing Writer achuppe@murraystate.edu Murray High School won Grand Champion at the first Festival of Champions in two years on Sept. 25. Because of COVID-19 cancellations, Racer Band has been unable to host the event since 2019. Thirteen high school marching bands from Kentucky and Tennessee performed for judges from across the nation. Murray Read More
Mason Galemore Contributing Writer mgalemore@murraystate.edu Racer Band has persisted through unparalleled challenges caused by COVID-19, and they ended this semester with a first and final performance. The Friends and Family Performance took place this past Saturday, Oct. 24, at Roy Stewart Stadium in the drizzling rain with the company of a socially distanced and masked Read More
Staff Report After a music student tested positive for COVID-19, the department of music decided to suspend in-person activities to ensure the safety of students, faculty and staff. Members of Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band Blue, Symphonic Band Gold and Racer Band received an email on Oct. 8 from Director of University Bands Trae Blanco and Read More
The renowned Racer Band is making the most of a challenging semester. With football season canceled and performances on pause, the band has had to find ways to safely perform while maintaining the charisma that Murray State loves. Brent Johnson, director of athletic bands and associate director of bands, said the Racer Band will have Read More
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 Read More
Chloe Jones Contributing Writer cjones114@murraystate.edu The assistant director of bands at Murray State is preparing to retire after 25 years of teaching at the University. John Fannin started his teaching career at Murray State in 1995. Before coming to Murray State, he taught at high schools throughout New Mexico and Arizona. In addition to his Read More
Story by Emily Williams, Features Editor Photo courtesy of Rhonda Rogers A Sigma Chi, a Laker Band percussionist, the voice of the Lady Racers, a brother, a son, a friend – these are just a few of the ways you could describe Kyle Rogers, a Murray native who lost his life in 2015 after an Read More
Story by Bryan Edwards, Contributing writer Murray State Racers won’t be the only ones making their way to Roy Stewart Stadium this season, as Coach Mitch Stewart prepares his team for the upcoming season. The field will be shared, as it is another year for the Racer Band to make their mark with the usual Read More