History of the Kent State University Marching Golden Flashes
1919	KSU Marching Band established by Music Department Director, Ms. Ann Maud Shamel.
1920	First KSU Football team to play with equipment. The "field band" played in the stands at one football game.
1928	Marching Band re-organized by Ms. Shamel with the help of music students.
1929	Roy D. Metcalf took over directing the Marching Band. Herbert Kelly was the first Drum Major. Band has less than 20 members.
1934	Marching Band was issued new uniforms consisting of white pants, a cape and caps.
1939	The Marching Band was an all men's band due to a lack of "proper uniforms for women."
1940	The Twin Bands were introduced at Kent State University. An all women's band performed separately and in conjunction with an all men's band. Both groups were under the direction of Roy D. Metcalf.
1957	Roy D. Metcalf died on July 4, 1957. Edward L. Masters came to KSU from Kansas to serve as the Marching Band Director. Band performs its first 15-minute half-time show, the number of majorettes was reduced and more emphasis was placed on rehearsing music.
1959	Twin bands were disbanded and new "unisex" band uniforms were debuted. Marching Band recorded "Kent's Golden Year" album to celebrate the 50th anniversary of KSU.
1974	The KSU Alumni Band was formed.
1978	Marching Band produced another album for the band program.
1979	University President Golding cuts the Marching Band.
1980	John Boyd, Director of Bands, served as the Marching Band Director. Thanks to fundraising and petitioning by the KSU students and alumni, the Marching Band was put back on the field. New uniforms were purchased and scholarships were issued to some band members
1981	After several changes in directors, Mr. Michael Lee comes to Kent State to serve as the first Director of Athletic Bands. Drum and Bugle corps style of marching is introduced to KSU.
1992	Due to several budget cuts within the School of Music, the band does not take the field. "Sitting band" plays at all home games.
1993	The KSU Marching Band takes the field in new uniforms.
1996	Dr. Thomas Connors comes to KSU to serve as the Director of Athletic Bands. The band takes on a new identity as the Kent State University Marching Golden Flashes.
1997	Marching Band crest created by Dr. Connors and students. Scholarships are also issued to all members.
1999	The MGF celebrates its 80th Anniversary with the largest band in KSU history.
2000	Mr. Eric Aho joins the staff as the new Director of Athletic Bands.
2002	KSU Marching Golden Flashes debut new uniforms representing the past history of the band while looking forward to a bright future.
2004	Mr. Scott Curfman accepts the position of Director of Athletic Bands. The Band expands on the corps style of marching to include some high-energy drill maneuvers and music.

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Kent State University Alma Mater Lyrics

E. Turner Stump wrote the lyrics, with music by Dwight Steere. The alma mater was first published in the Kent songbook in 1931.

Verse 1 From the beauty land Ohio comes a universal praise, 'Tis the song of Alma Mater that her sons and daughters raise. 'Tis a Hail to Kent forever, on the Cuyahoga shore, Now we join the loving thousands as they sing it o'er and o'er. Hail to Thee, our Alma Mater. O, how beautiful Thou art, High enthroned upon the hilltop, Reigning over every heart.

Verse 2 From the hilltop Alma Mater gazing on her portals wide, Sees the coming generations as they throng to seek her side, Seek her side to win her blessing, throng her gates to bear her name, Leave her gates to sing her praises go afar to spread her fame. Hail to Thee, our Alma Mater. O, how young and strong thou art, Planning for the glorious future, Firm enthroned in every heart.

Kent State University Alma Mater

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Kent State University Fight Song

Fight on for KSU! Fight for the Blue and Gold! We're out to beat the foe; fight on brave and bold! Fight on for victory, don't stop until we're through, We're all together, let's go forward, KSU!

Kent State University Fight Song

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