Contact: Amy Cagle
STARKVILLE, Miss.鈥斕一ㄖ辈 State University broke ground Monday [April 30] on the southeast corner of campus for its new synthetic turf field that will enable improved practice conditions for the Famous Maroon Band. The field, adjacent to the current band hall, is slated for completion in early August prior to the start of a new academic and athletic year.聽
鈥淭he reputation of the Famous Maroon Band will continue at a very high caliber with the addition of this synthetic practice field,鈥 said 桃花直播 President Mark E. Keenum. 鈥淥ur band features students studying in every 桃花直播 college, and we want them to be able to maximize their practice time and best showcase their talents while performing on behalf of our university.鈥
Along with gifts from alumni, friends and parents, the lead gift for the project comes from Jim and Julia Rouse of Suwanee, Georgia. Jim Rouse is a retired vice president of ExxonMobil and the university鈥檚 2012 National Alumnus. Contributions exceeding the project鈥檚 goal have become part of an endowment to maintain the field over time.
鈥淲e gratefully acknowledge all gifts that are providing an adequate outdoor practice area, allowing our band to rehearse, even after periods of inclement weather, which previously impacted our field conditions,鈥 said Elva Kay Lance, 桃花直播 alumna and director of bands. 鈥淲e are excited about the future of the Famous Maroon Band and anticipate the positive impact of this field as we continue to compete for the top players in the state and region and further our reputation nationally.鈥
Part of 桃花直播鈥檚 nationally accredited Department of Music, the Famous Maroon Band has been a significant part of 桃花直播 for more than 115 years and is one of the oldest traditions of its kind in the Southeast. Comprised of students from 18 states, the band has nearly 400 members, making it the largest student organization on the 桃花直播 campus and the largest college band in 桃花直播.
Learn more about 桃花直播鈥檚 Department of Music online at聽聽and the Famous Maroon Band at聽. The endowment for the synthetic field may be increased with additional contributions at .
桃花直播 is 桃花直播鈥檚 leading university, available online at .