The 175 members of the Eaglecrest High School Raptor Regiment had a lot of fun and made a little bit of musical history on Sept. 21, when they became the first high school marching band to perform during halftime of a Colorado State University football game at Canvas Stadium.
“It was so exciting to play at CSU!” said Drum Major Evelyn Carlsen, who is a junior at Eaglecrest. “It was such a cool opportunity. It was definitely the largest crowd we've played for, which was nerve-wracking but amazing!”
“Our performance at CSU was electric!” added senior Miles Mabrey, who is the band’s brass sergeant. “It was surreal to be able to perform for such a massive and incredibly supportive audience.”
The band performed “Bad Guy” and “Montero,” two pieces from their 2024 halftime show, titled “Raptor Regiment World Tour” during halftime of the game between the Rams and the UTEP Miners. During the game, they played pep tunes in the stands, and after the game, they had a “battle of the bands” with the Ram Marching Band.
You can watch the performance here.
“Our students were very proud of themselves in that moment, as we absolutely held our own against a college band,” said EHS Band Director Jason Mabrey, (who is Miles Mabrey’s father.) Director Mabrey is a CSU alum and worked with CSU Band Director Jamie Taylor to arrange the EHS performance.
“We were discussing ways to build relationships between Colorado State and EHS as we have had several Eaglecrest students end up in the music program at CSU,” Director Mabrey explained. “It was awesome to see the hard work of the students from Eaglecrest being shown off in front of an amazing crowd at a college stadium. This is something that few high school students get to experience.”
Mabrey said the opportunity also gave his students something to consider as they plan their college careers.
“It sparked a lot of conversation regarding being in marching band in college,” he said. “Many of my students were unaware that most college marching band students are non-music majors. I think a lot of students are very excited at the possibility of continuing in music in college while pursuing a different degree.”
Carlsen and Miles Mabrey both started band in middle school. Carlsen plays clarinet and Mabrey plays trumpet. Both play in several musical ensembles at EHS, and say marching band is something special.
“I joined marching band because I've always had a passion for music and was raised in a musical household,” Carlsen said. “I've met my closest friends through it, and it allows me to be involved at school.”
“I joined marching band during my 8th grade year and it's one of the best decisions I've ever made,” Miles Mabrey said. “One of the hardest parts about transitioning to high school is finding a place to belong. Marching band, however, provides you with a built-in family. I've met people in this band program, both role models and best friends, who have changed my life.”
The Raptor Regiment is part of the award-winning instrumental music program at Eaglecrest and will be featured on the CBS 4 Colorado Mornings show on Friday, Oct. 18!
Posted 10/14/2024.
