Something about the name inspires excitement. The red and white uniform glows under the night lights. The five letters stand out on the sash: STATE. The uniform of the North Carolina State University Marching Band has become identified with the musical excitement at its finest. With our new uniforms, they will continue to be a symbol of a proud tradition, it is recognized in football stadiums across the country.

In addition to performing in front of over 50,000 appreciative Wolfpack fans per game, the North Carolina State University Marching Band has had numerous performances off campus. In recent years, "The POWER Sound of the South" has been recognized on every ACC Conference institution. The band has also performed in the Peach Bowl in Atlanta, Georgia, the Hall of Fame Bowl in Tampa, Florida, the Gator Bowl in Jacksonville, Florida and last year at the Micron PC bowl in Orlando, Florida. Other appearances have included NFL games for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Philadelphia Eagles, and the Carolina Panthers, with more to come.

One must look beyond the uniform, though, to recognize the qualities that make the N.C. State Marching Band unique. Although the men and women who wear it have widely varying backgrounds, they share the same energy, enthusiasm, and burning desire to be the best that typifies each State band member - nothing short will suffice.

The N.C. State Marching Band is an athletically- oriented organization as well as a musical one. Starting in August, pre-season training is a demanding routine that requires self discipline, marching maneuvers, and musical skill. Many practice hours are required for each performance, whether it's on the football field, the parade ground or the concert hall. The band's men and women work as a unity to carefully fit the pieces together where each move is repeated until it becomes automatic. The result is the enthusiastic, seemingly effortless performance that has won the group the title, "The POWER Sound of the South."

Daring to be different... that's what the N.C. State Marching Band is all about. The marching band does not try to be like other bands. Nor is it satisfied with simply matching the previous year's accomplishments. Each year the State band starts the season with one goal dead in its sights: to make this year not as good as, but better than... the best ever!!!