The band has new uniforms and all-silver-plated brass instruments, but lacks a practice facility to hold it all.
The marching band has a new fundraising campaign in place to raise money for a new state-of-the-art practice facility.
The new band pavilion, adjacent to the football field, was constructed this summer with a $1 million grant from the College of Liberal Arts. While the structure fits most of the members, it doesn't allow for effective outdoor practice, said Director of Bands Richard Good.
"Right now if nasty weather comes up, there's no shelter for band students," Good said "Most schools have big enough facilities to play in. We can't play indoors right now, and if it rains practice has to get canceled."
The University will match half of the funds raised by the band for the project.
"Auburn University bands are a source of pride and enthusiasm for the Auburn family," said President Jay Gogue. "They've outgrown Goodwin Hall, and I know they're excited for a new home to rehearse and prepare for their amazing performances."
The band's current facility in Goodwin was built to house 250 members, but the band now stands at 380 members..
"We need to raise about $5.5 to $6 million, and the overall price stands around $11 million," Good said.
Practicality also plays a role in the marching band's needs, said Head Drum Major Daniel Johnson, as they currently have no central location to house all of their equipment, members and directors.
"It really would do more than I can say for the program," Johnson said. "A new facility would mean a lot to us."
On gameday the band walks more than a mile from Goodwin to Jordan-Hare Stadium, and some students are forced to keep small instruments in their car because of the lack of time and storage space, Good said.
"What it might be is just people don't understand everything we do," Johnson said. "A lot goes into it."
The band moved to a bigger practice field two years ago when the University built the parking deck and Office of Information Technology building, but have still had setbacks in their ability to practice.
"In order to continue to move forward, we need to provide students with an adequate facility," said Corey Spurlin, marching band director.
"This new facility is extremely important. It's an urgent need."
Spurlin also said the band is a University class that students have to register for.
"Every class should have a place to meet indoors," he said.
Other universities in the SEC, such as LSU, recently built a new facility and The University of Alabama has a fundraiser for a new facility as well.
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