The "Gridiron Bear Band" -

BSC's Marching Band

Begun as a simple pep band in the stands in 1994, the Gridiron Bear Band has become a tightly-knit precision marching band. Precision drills from well-drawn chart books, a clean and organized plan and good instruction keep rehearsal time efficient and productive.

Although numbers are not huge, the spirit is high. Because of the need to overcome space, facility, and scheduling difficulties (remember, this is the first marching band Bridgewater State College has had in 158 years of its history!), it is sometimes known as "the band that couldn't stay out of trouble." After three years of struggle, the band established itself on its own practice field (thanks to the work of Athletic Director John Harper and Buildings and Ground Director Keith Macdonald), and now the crowds keep their area free on game days instead of wondering why they are there! There is a fantastic relationship with the cheerleaders and the Athletic Department.

In fact, Bridgewater State College is the only college team in the New England Football Conference with a performing Marching Band!

In addition to all home football games, homecoming and other limited engagements on campus, the GBB performed in the annual Abington Jamboree from 1998 to 2001, and at the Taunton Christmas Parade in 1998, 1999, and 2000.

Marching Band meets during Fall semester only. A week-long band camp takes place exactly one week before the start of classes. Band members who will live on campus find that getting in that week early helps acclimate them to the campus environment as well as missing the chaos of move-in!

This page is maintained by the Department of Music.