A Missouri Military Academy Tradition: Marching Band
The
Fighting Colonels Marching Band is a tradition and a fixture at Missouri Military Academy. The band provides the music for all reviews, parades, and ceremonies; acting with precision, pride and excellence. One could say that the Academy marches to the beat of the band.
The band’s presence and influence extends beyond Missouri Military Academy, performing at public parades, ceremonies, and special events throughout Missouri and beyond. The Fighting Colonels Marching Band has, with a great sense of honor, marched in every Missouri gubernatorial parade since 1941. In 1957, the MMA band was appointed by the state of Missouri to parade in Washington, D.C. for the inauguration of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. This would be the first of six inaugurations in which MMA would participate - Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon (twice), and Carter.
Membership in the Fighting Colonels Marching Band doesn’t limit a student to playing music typical of a military-style band. The Academy sponsors several band concerts throughout the year that feature band, solo and ensemble performances, along with popular performances by our Jazz Band. Missouri Military Academy musicians participate in regional and state solo and ensemble competitions every year.
The bands are divided into middle and high school groups, however, middle school students with exceptional talent and ability may have the opportunity to join the high school band.
Students have the opportunity to take private music lessons from the instructors at Missouri Military Academy. This is a chance for musicians to perfect their skills in various instruments, from piano to electric guitar.
We are in the process of building one of the top military academy bands in the Midwest…and possibly the nation! Today, YOU have the chance to be part of the process of building a national leader in marching band music. If you are a serious bandsman and student who would like to be part of a growing tradition of international scope, take the first step and fill out our
inquiry form.
We also provide academic merit scholarships to students who display exceptional potential in the classroom, so please be sure to complete our scholarship questionnaire on the
Admissions page.
If you have questions about our band and instrumental music program, contact
CPT Joshua Yancey, the Missouri Military Academy Bandmaster.
