MU alumnus takes helm of Marching Mizzou

The new Athletics Bands director is planning changes to garner interest at halftime.

By Stephanie Ebbs

Published Sept. 3, 2010

Halftime shows at MU football games might look a little different with Marching Mizzou’s addition of Athletics Bands Director Brad Snow into the mix. Snow will replace former director Michael Knight, who left in spring 2010.

Snow said he has plans for Marching Mizzou that should add excitement to home games. Coming from Oklahoma State University, his years of experience include playing in the Marine Corps Band at Quantico, directing a 300-member marching band and conducting an orchestra in Italy.

Snow is returning to MU this year, where he completed his undergraduate degree, after 18 years away. Snow said he's been trying to get back to Columbia ever since he left. He said the Marching Mizzou program has come a long way since he attended MU, but Snow still plans to shake up Marching Mizzou’s halftime appearances.

"I place a lot of emphasis on how we can impact the game in the stands," Snow said. "I kind of treat the band as the soundtrack to the game."

Potential changes include more music during game time and a greater variety of music, alongside the traditional fight song.

Snow said during halftime, the group hopes to entice more people to stay in their seats. The band plans on playing equally to the student and visitor sides and making the programs more accessible to their audience. The shows they have in store include Guns N' Roses, moves and music inspired by the popular Evolution of Dance YouTube video, Lady Gaga and much more.

Snow said he considers the marching band to be in charge of the crowd, a large responsibility.

"Marching Mizzou is the most public part of the School of Music," School of Music Director Robert Shay said. "It's important they put on a good show every time."

Although Shay said the School of Music is thrilled to have Snow directing the athletic bands, the public nature of their performances will have all members of the ensemble feeling the pressure. They practice four nights a week, learning a new show and new music for every home game.

Snow said if he could tell MU students attending the games anything, it would be to stay in their seats those eight minutes during halftime and watch the show.

"There's a lot of time and effort that goes into what we do," Snow said. "Most people have no idea. They go through some pretty grueling conditions. I would like everyone to know how hard we work."