The NDSU Gold Star Marching Band, under the direction of Sigurd Johnson, associate professor of music education, is wrapping up another banner year. In addition to providing music for home and playoff football games, the 200-member marching band and NDSU Athletic Bands performed for six women’s volleyball and 30 men’s and women’s basketball games; the Train concert at Sanford Health Systems project dedication; and numerous pep rallies and pre-game tailgating.

The Gold Star Marching Band also is set to appear at the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision national championship game in Frisco, Texas, Jan. 5. It also is scheduled to perform during the January opening of NDSU’s new Indoor Track Facility.

NDSU is recognized as one of the nation's top 108 public and private universities by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education.