KTSW Loves: Texas State Bobcat Marching Band

By Marissa Bruno

Promotions and Community Relations Member

The atmosphere of a college football game is like no other. The roar of the crowd, the sea of maroon and gold, and the electric energy pulsing through the stands all create an unforgettable experience. At Texas State University, this atmosphere is amplified by one of the most essential parts of college game day, the Bobcat Marching Band (BMB), which acts as the soundtrack of the game. The BMB brings life, energy, and pride to every play in the game. 

Unlike major league sports, where music is often played through stadium speakers, college football thrives on the live energy that the marching band provides. Every beat and every rhythm carries school spirit throughout the stadium, and the BMB not only entertains but also unifies students, alumni, and fans with Texas State pride. 

Every year, the BMB sets goals that extend beyond music. The band aims to engage students and fans by creating moments that connect with everyone in attendance. Before every Texas State home game, the Bobcat Marching Band performs a pregame show which features “Texas State Fanfare Hill Country Theme,” the Texas State Fight Song and Alma Mater and “Deep in the Heart of Texas.”

Kyle Glaser, associate director of bands at Texas State, expressed how meaningful it has been to see fans come to games early, watch the show and engage with the band. He says in recent years, more people have arrived earlier at UFCU stadium to watch games, as this adds to the game day environment when fans are cheering and actively participating in Texas State traditions. 

The connection between the BMB and the crowd became clear when “Deep in the Heart of Texas” was added to the pregame show in 2016. Fans instantly took to the tradition and began shouting “State!” during the tune. While a small act, it is filled with spirit and symbolizes the shared pride between the university and its fans. 

This year’s Texas State Homecoming game on Oct. 11 showcased how far the BMB has come in both talent and creativity. The band performed a halftime show that celebrated global music with a theme of diversity and inclusion that featured popular songs from around the world, such as PSY’s “Gangnam Style,” Frank Sinatra’s “Come Fly With Me,” and Selena’s “La Carcacha.” The performance aimed to capture the spirit of the Texas State community by reflecting the many cultures on campus while delivering a high-energy, crowd-pleasing show.  

However, the Bobcat Marching Band’s influence extends beyond the football field. Throughout the year, the band performs at exhibitions for local high schools, regional marching competitions, university events, and parades, serving as a “moving audible billboard for the university,” Glaser said. These performances allow high school students and the San Marcos community to experience the excitement of college marching band firsthand.  

In the past year, the BMB has also grown its digital presence. Through social media platforms such as Instagram, the band has created trend-based videos that reach audiences beyond San Marcos. This growing online engagement has helped promote school pride and growth of the BMB program to individuals across the nation.  

As Texas State continues to grow, so does the Bobcat Marching Band, both in size and community impact. The band’s dedication, creativity and pride in performance makes it more than just a music ensemble, but the pride of the Texas Hill Country. When attending a Texas State football game, between tailgating and watching the plays of the game, take a moment to watch and listen to the BMB!