Idaho State University and Southern Utah University’s Collaborative Halftime Performance is a Success

This past Saturday, the ISU Bengal Marching Band and SUU Thunderbird Marching Band joined forces to deliver an outstanding halftime show featuring over 175 performers. The event was the result of months of planning and collaboration between directors Thomas Kloss (ISU) and David Torres (SUU). 

 "It’s the first time another band has joined our football game since I’ve been here, and it was a fantastic opportunity to collaborate with another group as we sometimes are able to do at away games." Kloss said. "David sent us the music and I wrote the drill (movements). It came together in about 30 minutes of rehearsal Saturday morning." 

The bands showcased their combined talents with a performance of "Thnks fr th Mmrs" (which is “Thanks for the Memories” without the vowels) by American rock band Fall Out Boy, released in 2007. Carter Warner, a trumpet player from ISU, shared his excitement, saying, "Ever since I was in 3rd grade, I have been a fan of Fall Out Boy’s songs. I even went to one of their concerts last year with my mom and brother. I can’t wait to perform one of their songs on the field!"

Following the rehearsal, the bands enjoyed a shared lunch before the game and had the opportunity for the students to socialize and get to know each other. Reflecting on the collaboration, SUU Director David Torres remarked, "This weekend was a wonderful opportunity for two band programs to come together, double their size, and showcase what is possible with hard work and musical ability. So glad Idaho State was willing to do this, and they jumped at the chance to add drill as well! This was the first time we performed it on the field also, and I think it was a hit! Our students had an absolute blast, and we would be more than happy to collaborate in the future, with our friends from Idaho! Cheers and thanks for the memories! (wink)"

A video of the performance can be found at the ISU Marching Band’s YouTube Channel.