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The Pride of Wildcat Land

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5️⃣0️⃣ DAYS OUT taken in Bill Snyder Family Stadium by @kstatepride

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9 days ago

Please help us welcome Xan Perkins to the MTD faculty as Instructor and Assistant Director of Bands beginning this fall.

Xan Perkins is a music educator, artist, and researcher coming from Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva, OK where he has been serving as Director of Bands and Instrumental Studies. At NWOSU, Xan directed the University Symphonic Band, NWOSU Jazz Ensemble, the Ranger Marching Band, taught low brass applied lessons, music theory, arranging, and music education classes.

Prior to NWOSU, Xan began a Ph.D. at Washington State University through the Individual Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program, where he also served as a Graduate Assistant for the WSU Cougar Marching Band and directed the Cougar Volleyball Band. He holds a Master of Music in Performance from the University of Northern Colorado (2019) and a Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance from Kansas State University (2016).

Xan has distinguished himself as an in-demand low brass performer, earning a semi-finalist placement at the 2023 Leonard Falcone Festival and a 3rd place finish at the 2024 Northwest Regional Tuba and Euphonium Conference Artist Competition. He has performed with the Mid-Columbia Symphony, Clarion Brass, Walla Walla Symphony, Tulsa's King Cabbage Brass Band, and Kansas City's Back Alley Brass Band. He has also collaborated with celebrated musicians including Sam Pilafian, Jose Sibaja, Tim Buzzbee, and the Boston Brass. For the past four years, Xan has been a regular guest soloist with the Manhattan Municipal Band under the direction of Dr. Frank Tracz.

As an educator and scholar, Xan is passionate about inspiring students to engage with their local communities through music. His teaching and research draw on culturally relevant pedagogy and center the role of music in fostering an understanding of diversity and culture, with particular interest in jazz history, Second Line brass band traditions, brass methods, and athletic bands. by @kstatepride

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2 months ago

What a night for K-State Bands 💜

After 33 remarkable years, Dr. Frank Tracz took the podium one final time as Director of Bands at Kansas State, closing out a legacy that has impacted generations of Wildcat musicians.

The program showcased an incredible range of music, including Bright Gleams a Beacon by David Gillingham, Sounds, Voices, and Dreams from Ukraine by Kevin Poelking, The Solitary Dancer by Warren Benson, Hold Fast Your Dreams by Eric Ewazen, Stormworks by Stephen Melillo, Danzón No. 2 by Arturo Márquez, and Slava! by Leonard Bernstein.

One of the most meaningful moments of the evening came as he shared the stage with his daughter, Dr. Kelley Tracz—a powerful reminder of the family, passion, and lifelong connections built through music.

Thank you, Dr. Tracz, for your leadership, dedication, and the lasting legacy you leave at K-State. Your impact will be felt for generations to come.

#KStateBands #KState #WildcatPride #ThankYouDrTracz by @kstatepride

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3 months ago

Dr. Allen Parrish joins the Kansas State University family as Associate Director of Bands. Since 2021, he has served as Director of “The Sound of Today” Athletic Bands at the University of Louisiana Monroe. He holds degrees from Troy University, Pittsburg State University, and the University of Southern Mississippi.

Dr. Parrish is passionate about creating a band experience that students genuinely enjoy while growing as musicians, leaders, and people. He values high standards, meaningful involvement, and a culture where students feel invested in what they are building together. He is an active clinician, adjudicator, and conductor, with research interests in leadership development and interdisciplinary arts. He is excited to get to work with the students and faculty at Kansas State.

Welcome, Dr. Parrish! by @kstatepride

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3 months ago

Winning the Wabash at Open House 😼

#KStateBound x #OpenHouse by @kstatepride

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3 months ago

Kansas State University invites applications for the position of Instructor and Assistant Director of Bands in the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance. This is a full-time, non-tenure track, 12-month faculty appointment with an anticipated start of June 7, 2026. The Assistant Director of Bands will assist in the management of the university’s comprehensive band program. The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to excellence in conducting, teaching, student mentorship, community engagement, fundraising, recruiting, and contributing to the academic mission of our R1, public land-grant institution.

More details and application at careers.k-state.edu/

#bandjobs #kstatemtd #marchingbandjobs by @kstatepride

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3 months ago

Hear from the Perkins family — Xan ’16 and Katie ’17! 💜🎶

There’s still time, young alumni — don’t miss your chance to help us win bonus funds during the K-State Day of Giving challenge.

If you graduated in the last 10 years, make your gift before 8 PM and help the Pride of Wildcat Land finish strong.

Donate: ksu.edu/dayofgiving/band

Give. Share. Go Cats. by @kstatepride

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4 months ago

Young alumni — just over one hour left! 💜🎶

There’s still time to help us win bonus funds during the K-State Day of Giving challenge.

Hear from Farhan ’24 and why giving back matters.

If you graduated between 2015–2025, donate NOW and make your impact.

Donate: ksu.edu/dayofgiving/band

Give. Share. Go Cats. by @kstatepride

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4 months ago

It’s time, young alumni! 💜🎶

From 6–8 PM, your gift can help us win bonus funds during the K-State Day of Giving challenge for alumni from the last 10 years.

Hear from Natalie (Clarinet/Drum Major ’18) and Wesley (Trombone ‘19) — and see how many band puns you can catch 👀

Donate now and help the Pride of Wildcat Land strike the right note.

DONATE: ksu.edu/dayofgiving/band

Give. Share. Go Cats. by @kstatepride

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4 months ago

Another goal this K-State Day of Giving: replacing instruments when they can’t be repaired. 💜🎺

Our students rely on quality instruments every day — and when repairs aren’t enough, replacements are essential.

Your support helps keep the music going for every member of the band.

Learn more: ksu.edu/dayofgiving/band

Give. Share. Go Cats. by @kstatepride

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4 months ago

Another goal this K-State Day of Giving: new raincoats for the band. 💜🌧️

Rain or shine, the band shows up — and every member needs the gear to do it.

Just $100 outfits one student with a new raincoat.

Your support helps keep the Pride of Wildcat Land ready for anything.

Learn more: ksu.edu/dayofgiving/band

Give. Share. Go Cats. by @kstatepride

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4 months ago

Calling all K-State Marching Band alumni from the last 10 years! 💜🎶

From 6–8 PM tonight, your gift can help us win bonus funds during a special alumni challenge on K-State Day of Giving.

Hear from Blake, a 2018 graduate, on why giving back matters and how the band shaped his experience.

No matter the amount, your support makes a difference for today’s students and keeps the Pride of Wildcat Land strong.

Tag your section, rally your friends, and show up for the band!

Learn more: ksu.edu/dayofgiving/band

Let’s show what the last decade of Wildcats can do — Go Cats! by @kstatepride

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4 months ago