After a 30-year absence, Ferris State University’s marching band is making a highly anticipated return in fall 2025. With over $7,000 raised and 80-100 students ready to join, the revival is set to energize campus life. This blog explores the history, the vision for the band’s future, and how you can support its comeback through an upcoming fundraiser and donations.
In the second episode of this season’s It’s Academic, Ferris State University staff delved into the history and revival of Ferris’ marching band on November 14, 2024. Hosted by Dr. Bobby Fleischman, Vice President for Academic Affairs at FSU, the episode featured Assistant Professor Dan Atwood, Athletic Director for the Pep Band Dr. Scott Cohen, and sophomore Katelon Armentrout.
The Big Return
The Ferris marching band is set to return to the field for the first time in over 30 years, having already raised over $7,000 toward its revival. With an estimated 80-100 students on board, the band’s comeback marks a historic moment for the university. To support this effort, Ferris State University will be hosting a fundraiser on Nov. 24 at Williams Auditorium (630 S. Michigan Ave.). The event will showcase performances of rock and roll classics by Director of Orchestra and Pep Band Daniel Atwood, alongside Ferris faculty and alumni. Tickets cost $5 for community members, while Ferris students can attend by making a donation and presenting their student ID. Proceeds will go toward marching band expenses, including equipment, uniforms, and rehearsal space.
Professor Atwood has been instrumental in the band’s return, presenting a detailed five-year budget to Ferris State President Bill Pink. This plan includes funding for a two-week band camp to prepare for the inaugural season in fall 2025.
Dr. Cohen highlighted the rich history of Ferris’ marching band, which dates back to 1906 under the direction of the university’s first music instructor, Louis D. Gerin. A particularly notable moment came in 1929, when the band surprised students by marching onto the field to form “FI” for Ferris Institute—the earliest recorded marching band activity. Unfortunately, the band and other programs were cut in the 1990s due to budget and enrollment challenges, leaving the music department largely dormant for years. Alumni frequently expressed disappointment and called for the band’s return.
Efforts to rebuild began about 25 years ago, led by faculty like Dan Crock, who worked to expand the music program by adding choir, orchestra, and concert bands. With recent support from President Pink and Professor Atwood, the university seized the opportunity to bring the marching band back as part of a broader revival of the music program.
Sophomore Katelon Armentrout, an aspiring member of the new band, shared her excitement about the return of a formal marching program. Drawing from her high school marching experience, she emphasized how the band will enhance campus spirit and improve student engagement. While the official marching band launches next year, the pep band continues to play an important role, performing at football, basketball, and hockey games.
Future Possibilities
Dr. Cohen addressed the possibility of introducing a music-related major at Ferris, noting that state approval depends on demonstrating a need for the program in Michigan. While the prospects for a major are slim due to an already saturated market, Cohen emphasized Ferris’ willingness to explore music-related minors and certificates to support students’ academic interests.
When asked how the new marching band will compare to the original, Professor Atwood explained that the revived band will instill a strong sense of pride and legacy in its members. Unlike the past, the new band will adopt a contemporary “corps” style, offering both students and audiences exciting opportunities. Atwood envisions the marching band as the university’s “front porch,” representing Ferris on both local and national stages while playing a key role in recruitment and retention efforts.
Dr. Cohen reflected on the original band’s prestigious history, which included performing at the inauguration parade for President Richard Nixon and entertaining crowds at Detroit Lions football games. Atwood hopes the new band will create similar opportunities, though he acknowledges the costs involved. To support these efforts, Ferris offers various fundraising opportunities for students and encourages public donations here.
For more information about the fundraiser and other events supporting the band, visit the website above.