What is now nearly a 300-member band started with only 20 members. The Pride of Mississippi was created in 1920, over 100 years ago, by Audie F. Fugitt. Just 10 years after people heard the band for the first time, the Pride of Mississippi was invited to perform at Franklin D Roosevelt’s inaugural parade in the 1930s. Their growth didn’t stop there.

In 1977, The Pride of Mississippi played for yet another President. The marching band was invited by Jimmy Carter to be present when he was sworn in. The Pride even got to fly on the same plane as Carter’s family.

From the United States to England to Ireland, the Pride of Mississippi has traveled the globe to bring their pas- sion of music to the masses.

In Ireland, the marching band won “Best Band Overall” in the Limerick International Band Championship, and “Best Adult Marching Band” in the Dublin St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

The Pride of Mississippi is still working towards excellence, Pride Director Travis Higa says. The bands goals are to always exceed their own expectations in a culture that is positive and always striving for their very best.

“They work extremely hard, tirelessly,” said Higa. ‘In addition to the culture, the strive for excellence is important to me.”

Travis Higa started as the Assistant Director of the Pride in 2019, right on the cusp of the band’s centennial year. He had never actually seen the Pride of Mississippi in person, but was so blown away when he heard the band play for the first time, that he applied for the position immediately.

He saw the band play live and in person for the first time in 2019, and was once again, blown away. Three years later and Higa is now the Director of the Pride of Mississippi marching band.

“That first game was extremely memorable to me,” Higa said about his first week with the Pride. “Because just to see how they work at a high level was incredible to me.”

Operating at a high level barely covers the work that is put into each home game, march, and concert. On top of this work, The Pride of Mississippi won’t be performing the same show twice this year. For every home game, watchers will get to enjoy a completely new show. This is all a part of the marching band’s strive for excellence in everything they do, especially entertaining a crowd.

“We started in 1920, and we just celebrated our centennial year,” Higa said. “Something that I would love to see the Pride get back to is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade again. In those ambitious plans, there’s also a lot of financial support needed as well.”

Members of the Pride of Mississippi marching band are not required to pay any fees to be involved. While this gives an opportunity for anyone to be a part of the band, it does make the finances a little tight.

If you would like to see the Pride of Mississippi marching band make it back to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, you can reach out to the School of Music to make a donation.

The Pride of Mississippi will perform this Saturday at The Rock during the home- coming game. They’ll have an entire new show with music that is sure to get you on your feet, singing along.