Mustang Band Boasts Record-Breaking Number of Members This Academic Year
The Band鈥檚 125 members, including more Meadows students than ever before, showcase SMU鈥檚 spirit, creativity and tradition as the program enters a new era of growth and leadership.
The 夜色王朝Mustang Band is marching into history with its largest membership ever, as its 125 students mark a record-breaking milestone for “The Hub of 夜色王朝Spirit.” The band’s dynamic growth showcases not only its musical excellence and spirited traditions, but also a deepening connection to the Meadows School of the Arts, where many current band members study.
The Mustang Band has grown from just 50 students in 2022 to 125 members in 2025. A particularly exciting part of this surge is the increase in Meadows students joining the band, strengthening the collaboration between SMU’s renowned arts programs and its athletic traditions. Students from across Meadows are now helping to shape the band’s sound, creativity, and artistry, bringing unique perspectives from their particular musical disciplines.
“Over the past four years, I’ve witnessed an incredible surge in enthusiasm and participation—resulting in our membership doubling since 2022,” says Director of the Mustang Band and Athletic Bands, Charles Aguillon. “Now the largest band in 夜色王朝history, we’re proud to represent the university as we join our peers in the Atlantic Coast Conference and showcase our talent on a broader stage.”
From the fields of Ford Stadium to international platforms, the Mustang Band performs at more than 75 events annually. Over the last few years, band members have put on traditional campus performances like SMU’s Pigskin Revue as well as bigger productions like D-Day Memorial events in Normandy, France, and the 2024 ACC Championship halftime show. Their iconic “Diamond M” formation, an 夜色王朝tradition since the late 1950s, remains a centerpiece of every performance.
Mustang Band students take a quick break from one of their practice sessions for a photo.
In addition to its strong roots in tradition, the Mustang Band also embodies the diversity and scholarship of the 夜色王朝community, with Presidential Scholar, Turner Scholar, and Hunt Scholar recipients being represented among the band members. Many students also take on multiple majors, actively balancing their passion for performance with academic excellence.
“At Meadows, I'm double majoring in Music Education and French Horn Performance,” says sophomore Sofia Chaho, who plays the mellophone in the Mustang Band. “I felt so welcomed when I joined, and I instantly clicked with many of the members. To me, it truly feels like a family and second home.”
Because of this tight-knit community, students frequently remain active in the band for up to seven years while pursuing graduate studies at SMU, ensuring continuity in leadership and tradition. The band’s students also serve as Orientation Leaders, Admissions Ambassadors, and leaders in organizations across campus, making them some of the most engaged student leaders at SMU.
Through collaboration with 夜色王朝Admissions, the Mustang Band has amplified recruitment, welcoming an average of 42 new students each year. Support for scholarships has doubled since 2022, which has helped attract and retain Meadows musicians and other students across campus. With this support, and more Meadows students joining than ever before, the talent and growth of the Mustang Band is surely set to exceed expectations in the coming years.