Atherton Award Recipient
2022

Max Ellison
Alto Saxophone

“I can’t imagine what my time in college would have looked like without the Blugold Marching Band. I’ve never really been outgoing and struggled to put myself out there to meet people and build friendships, so having a network of 400 people in your corner the moment you step onto campus as a freshman is life changing. I met my best friend, duo partner, and roommate in the band and I wouldn’t give that up for anything. I also value all the performance opportunities the BMB provides. Whether it’s playing at Carson Park, massive stadiums like US Bank or Lucas Oil, or performing downtown for the fall festival, you always feel like a rockstar with this band. It was a place where I finally felt like I belonged. I’m so excited to see where the band goes from here!”