Strike Up the Band: MSU’s ‘Spirit of the West’ is Going to Frisco!

BOZEMAN – Thanks to donations small and large, Montana State University’s Spirit of the West marching band will lead Bobcat fans in the fight song at the Football Championship Subdivision game in Frisco, Texas, on Monday, Jan. 6.

To guarantee the timely arrival of the student band members, their equipment and their instruments, a chartered flight is needed, as well as lodging, meals and ground transportation. In total, the band’s round-trip travel costs are expected to total about $300,000.

$200,000 of that total has been donated by 1983 Montana State graduate and Big Timber native Jamie Alexander, a co-founder of the investment firm Jasper Ridge Partners.

“Jamie and his wife, Bianca, literally came out of the blue to help us with getting the band to Frisco. They are a wonderful example of Bobcat success and generosity,” said MSU President Waded Cruzado. “We are so grateful for their help, which will give many of our students a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

The Alexanders’ gift, combined with generous donations from many other supporters, helped the Spirit of the West as the university embarked on a fundraising campaign to help offset the band’s travel costs. MSU's budget doesn’t include playoff travel for the band, and the NCAA does not provide resources for bands to accompany their teams.

The Spirit of the West band was founded in 1983, and it recently celebrated its 40th anniversary. Its nearly 200 student members come from all of MSU’s colleges and can be seen — and heard — at all MSU home football games and many other events on campus and in the Bozeman community.

Directed by Nathan Stark, the band begins its work each August with camps, practices and performances, with the members regularly spending more than 200 hours together each semester, leading to strong bonds and lifelong friendships.