Golden Eagles marching band has rich history

Recently the Super Bowl halftime show has become an attraction in and of itself, drawing viewers who otherwise would not tune in to watch the big game. Taking the stage are some of music's biggest names: Beyonce. Katy Perry. Bruno Mars. And over the years Bruce Springsteen, Michael Jackson, The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, to name a few.

But there was a time when lesser-know acts took center stage at halftime -- including Southeast Missouri State University's own Golden Eagles marching band during Super Bowl V.

"Even at [Super Bowl] V, we knew it was special, being televised like it was," tenor saxophonist Beverly Kasten recalled in a recent story in the Southeast Missourian.

Two planes were chartered to get the band from Cape Girardeau to Miami in January 1971, Kasten said. Though Kasten had some instrument malfunctions during the performance, she holds fond memories of the experience. She also speaks highly of the band's professionalism.

"To be running around downtown Miami with your buddies was awesome," she said. "We had assigned roommates, we had curfews, and we had bed checks."

But the Super Bowl wasn't just 15 minutes of fame for the band. The university's website calls the Golden Eagles "one of the most televised university marching bands in the United States." The band has performed at several band festivals, including the Greater St. Louis Marching Band Festival at the Edward Jones Dome in 2007 and 2009, and at the presigious Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Scotland.

Looking at today's high-profile Super Bowl halftime acts, it's impressive who has been given the opportunity to take part in Super Bowl history. It's even more impressive that one of those bands was our very own Golden Eagles. Everyone who has participated in the marching band should be proud to be associated with such a rich history and tradition.