Goin' Band from Raiderland celebrates 90 years on the field

LUBBOCK, TX (KCBD) - Standing up on his perch, looking down on dozens of rows of people and their instruments, Andrew Reinhart has a million thoughts running through his head.

"Often, I get wrapped up in the technicality of what I'm doing and sometimes, I have to take a moment and think, 'Okay, let's enjoy the moment,'" Reinhart said.

Reinhart is a five-year member of the Goin' Band from Raiderland. He was named Head Drum Major this year.

"Being in the band has been an incredible experience for me," Reinhart said. "I've been able to develop my personality as a teacher and I've been able to make so many friends."

Reinhart's fifth year also marks a significant milestone. This football season, the Goin' Band is celebrating 90 proud years on the field. The band is the oldest Texas Tech student organization and now has more than 400 members.

Band members say there is no better way to kick off nine proud decades as one of Texas Tech's most well-loved traditions than by marching through Jones AT&T Stadium this Saturday during the university's 1000th football game.

"We're working on a traditional show, which is what we'll be doing on the first game," Reinhart said. "It involves a lot of traditional drills and music of the Texas Tech Goin' Band."

The band has seven shows lined up this season, including a Christmas show, a patriotic show, and its special anniversary show.

"During the TCU game on [Sept.] 26, we will be doing a special halftime show that week, representing different eras from the Goin' Band in Raiderland from different directors from years past," Assistant Director of Bands Eric Allen said. "It's an exciting way to celebrate our heritage, if you will."

Reinhart says he and the Goin' Band's 400 pairs of marching feet are determined to begin the season on a good note.

"The crowd is expecting a really good Goin' Band, so our goal during Summer Band and before the first game is to do everything we can to really reach our potential as a band and to really bring it to the first game."

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