Marching Band
The BEST Band in the Bay!
The Spartan Marching Band, under the direction of James Long, takes the field in Spartan Stadium each fall semester, creating an electrifying atmosphere for the thousands of fans engaged by our thrilling performances. Our unique combination of brass, woodwind and percussion creates a driving sound that is one of a kind. With the addition of the dazzling Color Guard, and the fabulous SJSU Dancers, the band also has a visual style uniquely its own.
The Pride of the Spartans
The members of the Spartan Marching Band are students from every field of study on campus, from first year undergraduate through graduate students, including several "open university" members. They rehearse eight hours per week, preparing new music and maneuvers, and receive up to two units of academic credit. At each home game, the Spartan Marching Band performs a completely new halftime show, plus a pre-game show and a post-game concert. A source of Spartan Stadium spirit, the band reflects all the color and fanfare of major university sports pageantry. As well as our football games, the Spartan marching Band also performs at major school and community events throughout the year.
VIDEO PLAYLIST
OUR SECTIONS
The SJSU Spartan Color Guard performs choreographed dances and routines with various equipment (flags, rifles, sabres, etc.) to enhance and interpret the music of the SJSU Spartan Marching Band.
The SJSU Drumline is a battery unit of snare drums, bass drums, tenor drums, and cymbals that performs with the marching band throughout the Fall semester.
SJSU Dance team auditions are held each spring to determine membership for the following fall semester. Most dancers that audition have had many years of dance studio experience in a variety of dance styles. High school seniors are welcome to audition. Students who are chosen will become members of the Spartan Marching Band class and receive two units of credit.
Our Director
Dr. James A. Long is the Interim Director of Athletic Bands/Associate Director of Bands at San José State University. Before his position at SJSU, James served as the Director of Athletic Bands at California State University, Sacramento, directing the marching and pep band. Prior to that, he was Director of Athletic Bands and Lecturer of Applied Tuba at Oakland University (MI), where he gained recognition as a conductor, marching band technician, and clinician throughout Michigan and Ohio. In addition to band directing, James has distinguished himself as a soloist, chamber, and ensemble musician. He has showcased his talents at several International Tuba/Euphonium Conferences and has been featured at events such as the Dublin Irish Festival in the USA and the Butlins Mineworkers Brass Band Championships in the United Kingdom. His performance experience includes performances with orchestras and bands as well—including the Erie Philharmonic, Akron Symphony, Oakland Symphony, and the Toledo Symphony Concert Band. James earned his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Tuba Performance from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, his Master of Music degree in Euphonium Performance from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, and his Bachelor of Music degree in Euphonium Performance from Oakland University (MI). His teachers and mentors include Fritz Kaenzig, Dr. Kenneth Kroesche, and Dr. Robert Benton. In his spare time, James enjoys hanging out with his dogs, Remi and Ruby, playing disc golf, watching sports, and indulging in vintage video games.
