Trumpet player Hailey Finch leads the Spirit of the West marching band in a pre-performance rally cry. MSU photo by Colter Peterson.

BOZEMAN – Montana State University has launched a fundraising campaign to offset costs for the Spirit of the West Marching Band to accompany the Bobcats as they play for the FCS national football championship in Frisco, Texas, on Jan. 6, 2025.

“The Spirit of the West is a key part of any Montana State game day experience,” said MSU President Waded Cruzado. “The energy and enthusiasm they bring is unmatched, and their dedication to our ‘Cats is second to none.”

Terry Leist, MSU’s vice president for administration and finance, explained that the university’s budget doesn’t include playoff travel for the band, and the NCAA does not provide resources for bands to accompany their teams.

To guarantee the timely arrival of the student band members, their equipment and their instruments, a chartered flight is needed, as well as lodging, meals and ground transportation. In total, the band’s travel costs to get to and from Frisco are expected to total about $300,000.

“We want to make one thing clear: The Spirit of the West is going to Frisco,” Leist said. “Generous donations from our fans, community and Bobcat supporters will help the university offset the costs of their travel.” 

The Spirit of the West band was founded in 1983, and it recently celebrated its 40th anniversary. Its nearly 200 student members come from all of MSU’s colleges and can be seen — and heard — at all MSU home football games and many other events on campus and in the Bozeman community.

Directed by Nathan Stark, the band begins its work each August with camps, practices and performances, with the members regularly spending more than 200 hours together each semester, leading to strong bonds and lifelong friendships.

Stark said that when the band traveled to Frisco with the Bobcats in 2022 for the national title game, it was some band members’ first time flying on an airplane. He said that halftime performance was one of the band’s best during his 13 years as director.

“It was one of those electric moments where the band looked great and we sounded great,” Stark said. “The audience was totally in it and cheering us on. It was tremendous.” 

For information on how you can support the Spirit of the West band or to make a donation in support of their travel costs, visit https://www.montana.edu/sotw/.