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South Dakota State University's Independent Student-Run Newsource Since 1885

The Collegian

South Dakota State University's Independent Student-Run Newsource Since 1885

The Collegian

South Dakota State University's Independent Student-Run Newsource Since 1885

The Collegian

Building the Band

Building the Band

Natalie Brabec, Reporter November 19, 2024

At South Dakota State University, the Pride of the Dakotas Marching Band unites students from various backgrounds and majors.   With a current membership of 296 students, the band is committed to musical...

Kevin Kessler practices with the pep band before the Omaha v. SDSU

Band director reflects on historic year

Sam Schauer, Reporter March 7, 2023

Kevin Kessler has had a storybook year as the director of the Pride, and it’s continuing as the pep bands director and an educator. Kevin Kessler has a doctorate degree in music education, is an alumnus...

The Pride of the Dakotas marching band performs at the Jackrabbit Pep Rally in Frisco, Texas.

Pride of the Dakotas set to play in national title game

Skyler Jackson, Co-Sports Editor (He/Him) January 7, 2023

The Pride of the Dakotas marching band arrived in Frisco, Texas Saturday to perform in Sunday’s FCS national championship game at Toyota Stadium. The band did one final run-through in Brookings Friday...

SDSU grad pursues acting career in NYC

SDSU grad pursues acting career in NYC

Jordan Rusche, Co-Editor-in-Chief November 29, 2022

After Braedon Paulson graduated from South Dakota State University in May 2021, he knew he wanted to expand on his degrees in music education and theater. “With the training from SDSU, I could easily...

Parade brings brothers together for one more performance

Parade brings brothers together for one more performance

Gracie Terrall, Co-Editor-in-Chief November 29, 2022

Micah Lillie’s senior year was supposed to end last May, but he decided to stick around for one more semester for a very special reason.  Micah marched in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with...

Will Kessler, a junior trombone player in the Pride of the Dakotas, will be performing in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade for the fourth time this year after previously participating in the Macy's Great American Marching Band.

Pride member to perform in fourth Macy’s Thanksgiving parade

Jordan Rusche, Co-Editor-in-Chief November 21, 2022

When the Pride of the Dakotas found out that they would be marching in the 2022 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, there was one band member who knew the excitement better than anybody. That’s because...

The Pride prepares for New York

The Pride prepares for New York

Gracie Terrall, Co-Editor-in-Chief November 16, 2022

It won’t be long now. In just one week, the Pride of the Dakotas will be marching in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade for the first time in band history. They’ve been preparing for this for...

Pride of the Dakotas receives $50,000 challenge gift from Department of Tourism

Pride of the Dakotas receives $50,000 challenge gift from Department of Tourism

Mara Wheaton, Lifestyles Editor November 8, 2022

South Dakota State University’s Pride of the Dakotas marching band is just over two weeks away from embarking on its New York trip to perform in the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade.  After...

Collegian graphic by Mara Wheaton

Pride members, band faculty eager for New York trip

September 15, 2022

The South Dakota State University Foundation is in the process of raising $700,000 for the Pride of the Dakotas Marching Band to travel to New York and march in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The...

Collegian graphic by Mara Wheaton

Pride members, band faculty eager for New York trip

Peyten Weise, Reporter September 13, 2022

The South Dakota State University Foundation is in the process of raising $700,000 for the Pride of the Dakotas Marching Band to travel to New York and march in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.  The...

The Pride plays on: Music continues to spread joy

The Pride plays on: Music continues to spread joy

Gracie Terrall, News Editor (She/her) September 23, 2020

Fear not, although football is lacking this year, the Pride of the Dakotas band still marches on. While they may not be accompanying the football plays in the Dana J. Dykehouse stadium, the Pride still...

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