You see this group at major events and athletics contests on campus and across Springfield.

They also raise the national and international profile of MSU when they perform at events like the London New Year’s Day Parade.

Many aspects of the Pride Band — uniforms, equipment, the state-of-the-art Wehr Band Hall and even the performers themselves — are possible thanks to your support.

“We wouldn’t be able to do what we do without private funding,” said Brad Snow, director of the Pride Band.

“If we have an opportunity to play, we are there”

The Pride Band, with about 330 members, is one of the most visible organizations at MSU.

“The students do it because they love it,” Snow said. “They have so much energy and so many ideas.”

This group takes Missouri State’s public affairs mission seriously.

“We love community engagement,” Snow said. “When people call and ask if we can provide a group to perform at an event, if we’re able to do it, we do it. If we have an opportunity to play, we are there.”

Support goes to scholarships, uniforms and more

In 2017, the band started a crowdfunding campaign for new uniforms.

Through the online campaign and other private donations, the band raised $110,000 in just six months.

They first donned their new uniforms during the 2018 football season.

But your support goes far beyond making sure the band members look sharp.

“We wouldn’t have our building, including furniture, without the help of donors,” Snow said. “We’ve also been able to award many scholarships to our talented students through the years.”

But the best part of private support, Snow said, is that it eases the financial burden for students.

“What we do takes a lot of time. If we can give band students any additional financial assistance so they don’t have to take a second job or a loan, that’s a big help,” he said.

“Private support not only makes a difference to them during their time here. It benefits them for the rest of their lives.”