Famous Maroon Band Profile: Kristyn Martin

Periodically throughout the summer, we will be taking a look at individual members of the Famous Maroon Band which make the game day environment so great.

One of the great things about college football game day at any school is the atmosphere. And one of the most important parts, and often under appreciated, is the band.

I was in the band in high school and spent two years paying for my education in the band at Northwest Community College before finishing up at Mississippi State. So I decided to put the spotlight on the Famous Maroon Band this summer.

Today’s spotlight is on trumpet player Kristyn Martin. Kristyn will be entering her junior year at Mississippi State for the 2016-17 school year.

In all likelihood, you joined the band in middle school or junior high. What made you want to be in the band at that time?

"When I was attending middle school, it was a requirement for us to choose either to be in band or orchestra. And in my eyes, the “cool” kids would do band. Plus, all my friends were doing it. So I guess you could say I joined band because of peer pressure. But the real reason was band was the most fun hour of the day and the music was great."

What musicians have had the biggest influence on you?

"My high school jazz band director, Jeff Huddleston, had the most influence on my musical career. He went beyond the classroom and changed my entire view on jazz and music itself. With every student he has influenced, he pushed us past our safe zone and inspired us to deliver nothing but the best. Because of him, I have transformed into a better musician and a better person. Sadly, he passed away in 2014 but I still carry on the lessons he has instilled in me."

What is your favorite memory of being a member of the Famous Maroon Band?

"It’s hard to pick just one memory from being a part of the Famous Maroon Band. From the first day of band to all of the football games. But I will say one of my best memories is Davis Wade day during band camp. Each year before school starts back, the band gets the privilege of entering the stadium before anyone else. Imagine the silence of the stadium; no cowbells or cheers. Then the directors give the signal. “Long!” Their hands go up, the band inhales. Then all together play the first four notes of hail state. The stadium fills and finally we pause and admire the last echo as it fades away. Nothing can describe that feeling of affirmation that the season is here and you are now a part of the family of FMB."

What is your favorite non-band related memory at Mississippi State?

"Although it’s still a part of band, my favorite memory is when I joined the band fraternity Kappa Kappa Psi. It’s one thing to be a part of the band, but it’s another to be a part of this group of motivated leaders. I can truly say that they are my family and I couldn’t see myself without them. The amount of service that we do towards the band is only half of what makes us the fraternity that we are. You also gain an instant connection to bands across the nation and lifelong friends."

Kristyn would like to pass on the social media accounts for Kappa Kappa Psi for those who are in college bands across the country to follow. Their Instagram handle is @kkpsi_epsilon1923. You can also follow them on Twitter using their handle @TeamEpsilon. You can also like their Facebook page.

Thanks to Kristyn for allowing us to feature her in this Famous Maroon Band Profile. Also thanks to Dr. Craig Aarhus, one of the Associate Directors of the Famous Maroon Band for working with us to be able to spotlight the members of the band.

You can follow the Famous Maroon Band on Twitter with their Twitter handle @maroonband. The band also has a Facebook page you can go and like to keep up with all the happenings of the Famous Maroon Band.