Baton Rouge, Louisiana, September 12, 2025
News Summary
Kent Broussard, a 66-year-old retired accountant, has achieved his lifelong dream by joining the LSU marching band as its oldest member. Inspired by watching the band perform at a football game as a child, he trained rigorously and successfully auditioned to be a part of the prestigious ensemble. Broussard’s debut performance received national attention, inspiring others to pursue their dreams regardless of age and resonating with those who believe that it’s never too late to chase one’s passions.
BATON ROUGE, Louisiana — Kent Broussard, a 66-year-old retired accountant, made headlines as the oldest member in the history of Louisiana State University’s (LSU) marching band. Broussard realized a long-held dream by joining the renowned ensemble, known as the Golden Band from Tigerland, which debuted at a football game on September 6, 2025.
Broussard’s journey began when he first witnessed the LSU marching band at a football game in 1968 at the young age of 9. This experience ignited a passion for music and a desire to become part of a band that represents the spirit of the university. Previously, he played the sousaphone in both his high school band and at Southeastern Louisiana University, where he studied until graduating in 1980.
As he approached retirement in 2023, Broussard decided to pursue his childhood ambition. He prepared physically for the demands of marching band by running while wearing a weighted vest and marching around his neighborhood with a 30-pound sousaphone. His dedication paid off when he enrolled as a freshman at LSU to take part in the challenging audition process for the band.
Once accepted, he joined 324 other students, successfully auditioning to become a member of the prestigious marching band. His debut performance at Tiger Stadium during a home game against Louisiana Tech marked a significant moment not only in his life but also in the band’s history.
During the game, Broussard donned the traditional purple and gold uniform, and a close-up shot of him on the Jumbotron garnered enthusiastic cheers from the crowd of 102,000 fans. His story gained national attention, being featured on ESPN during the broadcast, showcasing the determination and passion of an individual realizing his dreams later in life.
Despite the media spotlight, Broussard humbly stated that he identifies simply as “a 66-year-old guy who wants to play music.” He also emphasized that pursuing his dream serves as a representation of the idea that while people may retire, their dreams remain alive. His wife, Cheryl, initially expressed skepticism about his aspirations, conscriptively inquiring about the existence of a “senior band.”
Throughout his journey, Broussard documented his experiences on social media, sharing milestones and celebrating accomplishments with friends, family, and fellow bandmates. His participation in the band included a halftime performance featuring medleys from “The Wizard of Oz,” “The Wiz,” and “Wicked,” which exemplified his commitment to being part of a great team. Broussard stated that joining the band allowed him to be involved in something truly significant.
He advocated for trying new experiences, highlighting that the only true failure is not attempting at all. Broussard’s story resonates with those who may have dreams they wish to pursue, regardless of age, reminding them that it’s never too late to chase after their passions.
Background Context
LSU’s marching band, known for its vibrant performances and dedication to school spirit, has a long tradition of excellence. It attracts students from diverse backgrounds, often instilling a sense of community and belonging among its members. Broussard’s inclusion adds a unique perspective to this dynamic group, reinforcing that dedication and enthusiasm toward one’s passions can transcend age.
FAQ Section
Who is Kent Broussard?
Kent Broussard is a 66-year-old retired accountant who recently achieved his lifelong dream of joining LSU’s marching band as its oldest member.
What inspired Broussard to join the band?
Broussard was inspired after first seeing the LSU marching band perform at a football game in 1968, which sparked his passion for music and band membership.
What preparations did he take before joining the band?
He prepared physically by running with a weighted vest and practicing marching with a 30-pound sousaphone around his neighborhood.
Key Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name | Kent Broussard |
| Age | 66 |
| Instrument Played | Sousaphone |
| Band Name | Golden Band from Tigerland |
| Debut Date | September 6, 2025 |
| Notable Event | Performance at Tiger Stadium during a football game |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- The Guardian: Kent Broussard Joins LSU Marching Band
- AP News: 66-Year-Old Achieves Dream of Joining LSU Marching Band
- Southern Living: Kent Broussard’s Marching Band Debut
- The New York Times: Kent Broussard’s Journey in LSU Marching Band
- Business Report: Meet Kent Broussard, Retired Accountant in LSU Band
- Wikipedia: Louisiana State University
- Google Search: LSU Marching Band
- Google Scholar: LSU Marching Band
- Encyclopedia Britannica: LSU Marching Band
- Google News: LSU Marching Band
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