[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 15]
[Senate]
[Pages 21884-21885]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



THE 130TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY SPARTAN MARCHING 
                                  BAND

 Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, I rise today to give recognition 
to one of Michigan State University's oldest institutions, the Spartan 
Marching Band. The Spartan Marching Band was formed in 1870 at the then 
Michigan Agricultural College, by Civil War Veteran and student Ransom 
Mc Donough. The band consisted of ten members and was all brass. The 
small group participated in drills and parades.
  Throughout its 130 years, the band has evolved tremendously with the 
times as any successful organization must. And throughout its long 
history, the band has exemplified excellence and has represented the 
university with great pride and honor. The Michigan State University 
Marching Band welcomed the football team and fans for over 100 years 
and has accompanied the team to numerous bowl games, including four 
Rose Bowl appearances. The band has played for four presidents and 
appeared at the New York World's Fair.
  The person who had perhaps the most significant impact on the Spartan 
Marching Band was Leonard Falcone. Mr. Falcone was appointed band 
director in 1927 and served Michigan State university and the Music 
program for 40 years. Mr. Falcone was affectionately known as ``The 
Dean of Big Ten

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Bands.'' Aside from his unprecedented tenure, Mr. Falcone is credited 
with arranging the music to the MSU Alma Mater, ``MSU Shadows'' and 
composing the music to the greatest college fight song in the world, 
the ``MSU Fight Song.'' So revered was Mr. Falcone that on the eve of 
his death in 1985, former and present members of the Spartan Marching 
Band visited him and serenaded him with the ``MSU Fight Son'' and ``MSU 
Shadows.''
  The Spartan Marching Band has continuously set the standard for the 
Nation's marching bands. It is well known throughout our State and 
Nation for its innovative and intricate marching style and excellent 
musical arrangements. Through its long legacy, which continues today 
under the fine leadership of band director John T. Madden, the Spartan 
Marching Band continues to set the standard for Michigan State pride.
  Through its achievements the Spartan Marching Band has represented 
the face of Michigan State University for the past 130 years. From its 
street beat cadence called ``The Series,'' to the traditional ``Kick-
Step'' entrance into the stadium for pregame, to the singing of ``MSU 
Shadows,'' to Military regimental traditions adhered to by all members, 
the Spartan Marching Band is a true ambassador of Michigan State 
University. As a Michigan State University Alumnus, I would like to 
thank the Spartan Marching Band for its contributions to MSU pride and 
congratulate all members of the 300 plus-member band of today and all 
past members of the Spartan Marching Band on 130 years of tradition, 
excellence, innovation, and pride. Go Green!

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