Thunderbird Marching Band Wows at F1 Event in Las Vegas
Published: April 02, 2025 | Author: Kol Gibson | Read Time: 3 minutes
The Southern Utah University Thunderbird Marching Band (TMB) recently took center stage at the "Opening Bash" event for the new Formula One (F1) complex in Las Vegas, Nevada, delivering a dynamic and energetic performance that left event organizers and spectators in awe. The opportunity arose unexpectedly when event organizers needed a marching band on short notice, and after discovering SUU's impressive online presence, they extended an invitation to perform.
The Thunderbird Marching Band, led by Director of Athletic Bands David Torres, assembled 50 members in just a few days to prepare for the performance. Their 10-minute set featured a parade entrance alongside an Elvis impersonator, followed by a lively performance of classic tunes, including the Vegas showroom staple "CC Rider," an SUU fan favorite, "NECK," and a high-energy closing number from the TMB halftime show repertoire.
"After a last-minute cancellation, F1/Adobe needed a marching band, and they found us online," said Torres. "They were impressed with our recent growth and performances. When they reached out, we jumped at the opportunity. It was a whirlwind, but the students were incredibly flexible, and they nailed it."
To fully embrace the Elvis-themed performance, the event organizers provided 50 foam Elvis wigs and signature glasses, adding to the spectacle. The crowd's enthusiastic response led to an unexpected request for an encore performance later in the evening, a testament to TBM's impact on the event.
"The marketing organizers for the F1/Adobe event said our band was ‘incredibly polished and professional' and ‘a complete joy' to work with," Torres added. "They even mentioned they'd love to work with us again in the future. That kind of recognition is huge and opens the door for more corporate and sports event performances in Las Vegas."
For Torres, this performance was a realization of his vision when he founded the Thunderbird Marching Band and The Sound of Southern Utah Athletic Bands. "These are exactly the types of opportunities I dreamed about when I started at SUU. The future is very bright as we continue to push forward with even more fantastic chances to promote SUU at a regional, national, and even international level."
To learn more about the Thunderbird Marching Band and The Sound of Southern Utah, visit www.suu.edu/pva/music/marching-band/.
About the College of Performing and Visual Arts
The College of Performing and Visual Arts (CPVA) at Southern Utah University comprises 41 academic programs including liberal arts (BA/BS) and professional (BFA, BM, BMEd) degrees in art, design, dance, filmmaking, music, and theatre. It includes graduate programs in the fields of arts administration (MFA, MA), music education (MME), and music technology (MM). More than 60 full-time faculty and staff are engaged in teaching and mentoring over 900 majors in the College. CPVA presents over 100 performances, lectures, presentations, and exhibitions each year which are complemented by the Southern Utah Museum of Art (SUMA) and Shakespeare Studies at SUU, and is affiliated with the Tony award-winning Utah Shakespeare Festival (USF). Southern Utah University is an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Art & Design (NASAD), National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD), National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), and the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST) making SUU the first public university in the state of Utah to be accredited by all four associations. For more information about the College of Performing and Visual Arts, visit www.suu.edu/pva.
Tags: Band The Sound of Southern Utah Thunderbird Marching Band Music College of Performing and Visual Arts
Contact Information:
Kol Gibson
435-865-8667
kolgibson@suu.edu