For this year’s homecoming football game on Friday, Oct. 19 at 7:30 p.m., the band picked “Pure Michigan” as its halftime show theme, celebrating music from Michigan artists. Its performance will include songs by Bob Seger, Lizzo, Aretha Franklin, Smokey Robinson, The Temptations and Madonna. 

Spartan Marching Band Director David Thornton said he worked closely with assistant director Arris Golden and percussion instructor Jon Weber to pick the theme and works included in the performance. The students in the band also had input, Thornton said.

By each spring, the band finalizes the theme for the coming fall. But this year, the band has been busy learning other songs and weekly game preparation. It didn't start practicing its 2024 homecoming performance until Oct. 7, a short turnaround, Thornton said. 

“There’s a lot of planning and systematic things that have to be in place for us to process, learn, memorize and do all those things in a way that allows us to be at our best on every game day,” Thornton said.

Though it can seem overwhelming and chaotic for the band, it doesn't often have trouble with turnaround times and can learn songs and movements quickly. The homecoming rehearsals are "no different than anything else we do," Thornton said.

The 300-plus-person pack practices every weekday from 4:30 to 6 p.m. and runs through the same drills before any other game.

This has led some members, like vice president and trump squad leader Noah Socha, to approach the homecoming game like any other home football game. Socha said to be successful every performance, the band has to hit its marks and ensure its formations are correct.

“Nervousness isn’t as big a part of it. It’s sort of just remembering what we have to do,” Socha said. “We approach the marching and playing with the same passion, pride and standard that we usually do.”

Even though band members approach homecoming with the same mentality as any other week, they still recognize the importance of the tradition and what it means to the Michigan State community. 

President and alto saxophone section leader Gabriella Richmond said she’s excited about homecoming and for all the football game attendees to watch the band perform. 

“I think it’ll resonate with a lot of people who are coming home here. It’s cool to see everyone come together and nice to see older people come back,” Richmond said. “I know they always enjoy homecoming. It has a special place in my heart.”

Socha believes the performance's “Pure Michigan” theme will also give alumni the true feeling of returning home.

Drum major Lacy Jewell said the homecoming performance is special due to the fan-created environment, specifically the alumni. She said it’s easy to tell people are "really excited to be back” to support the band and university.

As the days count down to the MSU-Iowa game, the Michigan State Marching Band is preparing for its halftime show, one Jewell said will be "electric.” Band members continue to push one another and ensure their fast-paced rehearsals are efficient, Richmond said. 

“Everything’s one step at a time. Everything is a segment, and you have to give it your all at every stage of the day,” Socha said.