Brianna Rainey, a senior at Montana State University, described on May 5 her journey from a small high school band to leading the Spirit of the West marching band during her final performance at the Football Championship Subdivision game in Nashville.
Rainey’s story highlights how students can find community and leadership opportunities through university organizations. She began as one of five musicians in Forsyth High School’s band program and had never marched before attending college. Her last appearance as drum major marked a significant personal achievement.
“Yelling ‘Go, ’Cats, Go’ with thousands of other people was surreal. I was trying not to cry because I knew that no matter the outcome, this was my last game,” Rainey said. “That was definitely the best way to go out.” After graduating from MSU’s College of Arts and Architecture with a degree in music education on May 8, she plans to teach middle or high school students in central Montana.
As drum major, Rainey served as student director for the marching band, conducting performances alongside co-drum major Jordan Jensen. Band director Nathan Stark said, “We want everyone to be bold and brave on the field. Having a leader like Brianna who inspires that energy and encourages students to try is just invaluable… Younger students see Brianna, and they think, ‘I want to be like her.’”
Rainey supported new members by offering mentoring sessions for aspiring drum majors and aimed to provide a welcoming environment for younger students joining the annual band camp. Derek Bannasch, assistant teaching professor of music who also conducts Rainey in local ensembles, said: “Brianna is very intelligent, and she takes her craft seriously… I sound like I’m fangirling a bit, but she really is an excellent student.”
Montana State University enrolls approximately 17,165 students split evenly between residents and nonresidents; it operates as Montana’s land-grant university focused on research funding exceeding $288 million annually while contributing through volunteer efforts and outreach according to the official website.
Looking ahead to her career after graduation Rainey said: “At MSU, I’ve really been able to step up and grow into the person I’m supposed to be.”