History
Explore the history of the Kent State Marching Golden Flashes starting in 1919, when the band was established.
1919
KSU Marching Band established by Music Department director, Ms. Ann Maud Shamel.
1920
First KSU football team to play with equipment. The "field band" played in the stands at one football game.
1928
Marching Band re-organized by Ms. Shamel with the help of music students.
1929
Roy D. Metcalf took over directing the Marching Band. Herbert Kelly was the first drum major. Band has less than 20 members.
1934
Marching Band was issued new uniforms consisting of white pants, a cape and caps.
1939
The Marching Band was an all-men's band due to a lack of "proper uniforms for women."
1940
The Twin Bands were introduced at ºÚÁÏÍø. An all-women's band performed separately and in conjunction with an all-men's band. Both groups were under the direction of Roy D. Metcalf.
1957
Roy D. Metcalf died on July 4, 1957. Edward L. Masters came to KSU from Kansas to serve as the Marching Band director. Twin bands were disbanded, marching band performs its first 15-minute half-time show, the number of majorettes was reduced and more emphasis was placed on rehearsing music.
1959
New "unisex" band uniforms were debuted. Marching Band recorded "Kent's Golden Year" album to celebrate the 50th anniversary of KSU.
1974
The KSU Alumni Band was formed.
1978
Marching Band produced another album for the band program.
1979
University President Golding cuts the Marching Band.
1980
John Boyd, Director of Bands, served as the Marching Band director. Thanks to fundraising and petitioning by the KSU students and alumni, the Marching Band was put back on the field. New uniforms were purchased and scholarships were issued to some band members
1981
After several changes in directors, Mr. Michael Lee comes to Kent State to serve as the first director of Athletic Bands. Drum and bugle corps style of marching is introduced to KSU.
1992
Due to several budget cuts within the School of Music, the band does not take the field. "Sitting band" plays at all home games.
1993
The KSU Marching Band takes the field in new uniforms
1996
Dr. Thomas Connors comes to KSU to serve as the director of Athletic Bands. The band takes on a new identity as the ºÚÁÏÍø Marching Golden Flashes.
1997
Marching Band crest created by Dr. Connors and students. Scholarships are also issued to all members.
1999
The MGF celebrates its 80th anniversary with the largest band in KSU history.
2000
Mr. Eric Aho joins the staff as the new director of Athletic Bands.
2002
KSU Marching Golden Flashes debut new uniforms representing the history of the band while looking forward to a bright future.
2004
Mr. Scott Curfman accepts the position of director of Athletic Bands. The Band expands on the corps style of marching to include some high-energy drill maneuvers and music.
2012
Mr. Frank Cosenza is appointed to the position of interim director of Athletic Bands. The Marching Golden Flashes attend the 2012 MAC Championship Game.
2013
The Marching Golden Flashes attend the 2013 GoDaddy.com Bowl in Mobile, Alabama. Dr. John Franklin is appointed as director of athletic bands. Dr. Jesse Leyva is appointed as director of bands. Flasher Brass expands to include piccolos, flutes, clarinets and an electric bass.
2016
The Marching Golden Flashes unveil a new look and image with the first new uniforms in 14 years.
2019
Dr. Kate Ferguson appointed as interim director of athletic bands. Dr. Wendy Matthews appointed interim director of bands. Marching Golden Flashes attend the 2019 Tropical Smoothie Cafe Frisco Bowl in Frisco, Texas.
2020
Dr. Darin Olson appointed as director of athletic bands. Dr. Wendy Matthews appointed as director of bands. The Marching Golden Flash Award, a university initiative providing all members of the marching band with a scholarship, is launched.
2021
The Marching Golden Flashes attend the 2021 MAC Championship Game. The Marching Golden Flashes attend the 2021 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl in Boise, Idaho.
2022
Dr. Benjamin Lorenzo appointed as director of bands. Marching band enrollment exceeds 210 members.