A century after Ball State University’s marching band was founded, generations of musicians returned to campus in October to celebrate the traditions and friendships that have endured long after their final performances.

Among them was Dr. Joseph Scagnoli, ’64 MA ’67, professor emeritus of music and former director of bands, who returned as a special guest conductor for the Pride of Mid-America (POMA) during the University’s 100th anniversary Homecoming celebration on Oct. 24. Dr. Scagnoli had also played the trumpet in POMA as an undergraduate in the School of Music.

“It was an honor to be invited to take part in this important celebration of the 100th Homecoming,” Dr. Scagnoli said. “I thoroughly enjoyed conducting the combined POMA and reunion band.”

Dr. Scagnoli retired in 2006 after 22 years at Ball State, including five as associate director of the School of Music. His return offered an opportunity to reconnect with former students and celebrate a program that remains an important part of his life.

The Pride of Mid-America’s history dates to 1926, when Claude E. Palmer, then head of the Music Department at Ball Teachers College, organized the University’s marching band. The name “Pride of Mid-America” was introduced in 1959 under former director Earl Dunn.

Over the decades, the band became a fixture of campus life and even performed at the national level for Presidents Richard Nixon and George H. W. Bush.

Dr. Scagnoli joined Ball State as faculty in 1984. Under his leadership, the marching band grew to 300 members and became the first in Indiana to perform curvilinear drills, using sweeping, curved formations to create dynamic performances on the field.

His tenure included appearances at the 1989 California Raisin Bowl and the 1993 and 1996 Las Vegas Bowls. The band also performed halftime shows for the Indianapolis Colts, Cincinnati Bengals, and Buffalo Bills.

Bringing Generations Together

Dr. Jeremy Harmon, current director of the Pride of Mid-America, organized the centennial reunion—the first since before the COVID-19 pandemic. Approximately 175 alumni joined 150 current band members for the festivities, making it one of the largest alumni gatherings participants could remember.

“It was a wonderful opportunity to bring generations of Pride of Mid-America members together,” Dr. Harmon said. “We were able to share some of our newer traditions with alumni while learning about traditions from their time in the band. It was a special way to celebrate our history and the connections that continue across generations.”

One alumna who returned was Claudia (Hoffman) Duncan, ’79, who traveled from Florida with her husband, Jeff Duncan, ’75. It had been 23 years since their last visit to campus, and they were astonished by the University’s transformation.

“Campus has changed so much since we were last here. Everything is so beautiful now,” Ms. Duncan said. “It was wonderful to come back and see how much Ball State has grown.”

One of their first stops was the L.A. Pittenger Student Center, where Mr. Duncan had proposed to Ms. Duncan more than 50 years earlier, adding another layer of meaning to their Homecoming visit.

A former POMA alto horn player, Ms. Duncan joined fellow alumni and current band members on the field to perform the Ball State fight song and “Back Home Again in Indiana” during the Homecoming football game.

She also treasured the opportunity to exchange memories with fellow alumni and hear about the experiences of today’s students.

“It’s like we were instant family,” Ms. Duncan said. “Even though we were in the band at different times, we all share that same bond. It was wonderful to play together again and be part of something so special.”

Another connection to the band’s past was a colorful Ball State jacket Dr. Scagnoli wore while conducting the combined band.

The jacket had belonged to the late Bill Gibson, a trombone player and former POMA member. His wife, Christina Gibson, ’97, had served as POMA drum major and principal flute and piccolo player in Ball State’s Wind Ensemble.

Dr. Scagnoli recalled that the distinctive jackets were worn by many marching band members during his first decade at Ball State, helping establish the band’s identity on campus.

For Dr. Scagnoli, wearing Mr. Gibson’s jacket was a reminder of the musicians and friendships that have remained part of his life since his retirement.

“It was great to see so many former students come back,” said Dr. Scagnoli. “It was especially nice to see alumni band members back as good friends.”