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The Spartan Marching Band fosters community through storytelling

The leaves’ tips are beginning to curl and sway in the breeze of fall afternoons. Still clinging to branches, only blaring horns can break the grip of the mightiest oak leaves.

Since 1870, the Spartan Marching Band has been synonymous with Spartan pride and game day, but honing their craft takes more time than many would think.

“It’s largely their commitment and passion for what they do — as performers, and as musicians,” David Thornton, director of the Spartan Marching Band, said. “People know we practice, but there is a lot of dedication and time that goes into being in the marching band. I take a lot of pride in that as the director.”

But the band’s members’ relationship is more than teammates, but rather a supportive community that makes time go by quickly.

The band’s creative process foundation is connection. Whether it be a moment with the football team after warmups or recognizing how to utilize each member’s unique skills, they put forth their art collaboratively in its truest sense.

However, following recent news, Mel Tucker’s no-pay suspension has left an uncomfortable and apprehensive game day.

Thornton’s sentiment around the Tucker suspension mirrored the drum majors alike. This week, and every week, their responsibility is to invigorate the MSU community through their musical storytelling, he said.

The Spartan Marching Band stirs creative conversation in the audience. Collaborative storytelling amongst peers, as simple as shared jokes with friends, are signs of the band’s influence working in real-time.

Michigan’s free well water testing program runs out of funds

The Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) announced on Sept. 4 that free well-water testing kits will be available to residents.

However, after only a week, all funding was exhausted.

Last year, EGLE was appropriated a one-time funding from the Michigan Legislature. The funding made it easier for private residential well owners to test their water quality. Drinking Water and Environmental Health Division Source Water Unit Supervisor Sara Pearson said the testing addresses the basic water concerns such as chloroforms, nitrates, nitrites and metals.

Dean Scott, an EGLE spokesman, said they received an “overwhelming response” from Michigan residents regarding free water testing.

Unlike community water supplies, well water is not regularly tested. Pearson said wells are only required to be tested for bacteria when they are first installed. She said most large cities in Michigan are on community water and are regulated, but rural and suburban areas with well water are not tested as often as recommended.

Although free water kits are no longer available, they can still be purchased through EGLE Drinking Water Laboratory. It is still recommended for well water to be tested annually.

Water quality in Michigan is overall quite good. Pearson said there are some areas that have naturally occurring high arsenic levels, such as Michigan’s thumb area. This is due to the geology in the area, one of the influential factors of well-water quality.

Pearson said there is surety in the water coming from community supplies, but not for wells. She also said the difference between community and well sources “should be quite comparable.”

Here is what’s happening during MSU’s homecoming week

Students, family, alumni and faculty will join Michigan State University in the celebration of Homecoming 2023 with a host of events. The festivities began yesterday and will run through Sunday, Sept. 24.

Today, to celebrate the start of fall, MSU will host a student brunch from 10 a.m. to noon in the Beaumont Tower Courtyard. MSU’s Tower Guard and members of the College of Music will also be hosting a tour showcasing Beaumont Tower’s history.

For tomorrow, the eighth annual Exercise is Medicine On Campus, Healthy Homecoming Walk will be from 8 a.m to 2 p.m at Demonstration Hall field.

Next, the MSU Downtown Coaches Club will host a dinner event at Reno’s East Sports Bar and Grill to hear from football team representatives. The event will take place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.,

Also, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Trivia with Zeke will be free to all students at the MSU Union Ballroom. Students can spin the wheel for Zeke-themed prizes and have the chance to pet him.

On Thursday, stop by the Spartan Navigator event from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Adams Field with Woody’s Oasis catering to explore moving off campus, understanding leases and necessary amenities. The Spartan Navigator program supports second-year students outside of the classroom.

For Friday, the homecoming parade will begin at 6 p.m. through downtown East Lansing and MSU’s campus. There will be performances from the Spartan Marching Band, Michigan high school marching bands, campus organizations and more. The parade will continue through rainy conditions unless there is thunder or lightning.

On Saturday, The MSU vs. University of Maryland football game will kickoff at 3:30 p.m.

And finally, homecoming week will come to a close on Sunday with a free interactive music, art and science experience at the W.J. Beal Botanical Garden. The “Music and the Garden” event will span from 1 to 4 p.m., featuring performances from the MSU College of Music groups and ensembles at 2 p.m.

For a full list of homecoming events and specific times, you can visit the official Michigan State University events calendar online.

Based on original reporting by Liam Clymer, Anna Rossow and Misha Berry.