With an atmosphere of football fever taking hold on campus, one student organization wants to show its excitement in the loudest way possible. That is, as long as it’s in tune.

It takes hard work to put together, though, and the ISU Cyclone Football “Varsity” Marching Band (ISUCF`V’MB) faces a rigorous schedule this fall.

This hectic schedule began five days before the Florida State game in Kansas City, Mo. This was the amount of time it had to come together, create a show and make everything perfect.

Matthew Smith, associate band director, says the meager preparation time for the Florida State game did not hamper the marching band’s ability to perform a great show for a great game.

“It was fantastic,” says Smith, who is in his first year as director. “The game was incredible, the students had a great time and the band performed awesome.”

For the next four weeks the band will perform a show every week, leaving little time for relaxation of tired playing lips and weary marching feet.

Over the course of the season, the band performs about five different musical shows. The shows are usually themed and strive to include music that people can recognize and appreciate.

This season, the band plans to bring many fun angles to the performances, including an oldies show, a patriotic show, a swing show and a spy show, as well as themes decided on by students. This year, the homecoming show will be in the theme of the popular movie “The Blues Brothers.”

Before school starts, the band meets for a full-time week of rigorous marching and maneuvering practice before its drops rehearsal time down to the normal hour and 30 minutes a day.

Trombone player Brian Seda, senior in agronomy, says the marching band creates a close-knit atmosphere that is very welcoming for incoming students.

“It’s like a family,” Seda says. “Everyone gets to know each other so well. Having the ability to perform together at such a large venue is just phenomenal.”

The vast amount of time spent practicing and working together draws the band members closer to each other, says piccolo player Amanda Mikesell, junior in elementary education.

“Initially, you walk into the group and you have 300 new friends,” Mikesell says.

“There is always someone you know and can count on; you spend so much time with these people.”

Smith says despite the large amount of work the band goes through, he is confident this year’s band will continue to bring excellence and excitement to the football games and performances.

“They don’t feel any limitations and they are able to retain their own traditions while still pushing themselves in new directions,” Smith says. “It’s a rough schedule up front, but we are hoping for a trip someplace warm in December or January.”