Baton Rouge, September 26, 2025
News Summary
Kent Broussard, a 66-year-old retiree, has achieved his lifelong dream of joining the LSU marching band. After years of inspiration, he relearned the sousaphone and dedicated a year to rigorous practice, leading to his successful audition. Now the oldest member in 41 years, Broussard emphasizes teamwork and encourages others to pursue their dreams, regardless of age. His debut performance captured national attention, showcasing his determination and showcasing the enduring spirit of the LSU marching band.
BATON ROUGE, Louisiana – Kent Broussard, a 66-year-old retiree, has fulfilled a lifelong dream by joining the Louisiana State University (LSU) marching band, known as “The Golden Band from Tigerland.” This remarkable achievement comes after years of inspiration drawn from attending his first football game at the age of 9 in 1968.
Broussard’s pursuit of this dream became a reality when he decided to enroll as a freshman at LSU after retiring from his career as an accountant. His ambition required relearning how to play the sousaphone, a wind instrument he had not touched or read music for about 45 years. Determined to improve, Broussard spent a year practicing, often dedicating late nights to honing his skills.
Beyond practicing music, he prepared physically for the demands of being part of a marching band. Broussard lifted weights, ran, and even marched through his neighborhood while carrying the 30-pound sousaphone to build his endurance. Once he completed all necessary enrollment processes, including attending classes and maintaining his GPA, he faced a rigorous audition process to secure his place in the band.
Broussard successfully earned a spot, making him the oldest person to join the LSU marching band in 41 years. His debut performance took place during a home game against Louisiana Tech on September 6, where the band showcased musical selections from popular productions such as “The Wizard of Oz,” “The Wiz,” and “Wicked.”
His journey and success have drawn national media attention, with coverage from various news outlets celebrating his determination and perseverance. Family support has been crucial throughout his journey, despite initial concerns from his wife regarding the challenges he might face in pursuing this ambitious dream.
Throughout his performances, Kent Broussard emphasizes the importance of teamwork, acknowledging that being part of the band is a collective effort. He hopes to inspire others by demonstrating that it is never too late to take risks and try new experiences, reinforcing the belief that dreams should always be pursued, regardless of age or life circumstances.
Background on the LSU Marching Band
The LSU marching band, comprised of 325 members, is a beloved tradition in Baton Rouge. Over the years, it has established a reputation for excellence in musical performance and has become a central part of the atmosphere at LSU football games. The band plays an essential role in supporting the university’s athletic teams and entertaining fans, enriching the game day experience with its spirited performances.
Broussard’s Challenges and Achievements
Dedicating a significant amount of time and effort to practice allowed Broussard to redefine his capabilities. His journey serves as a powerful example to others, showing that determination and passion can lead to great accomplishments, no matter the stage of life.
The Importance of Following Dreams
Broussard’s story encourages individuals of all ages to embrace their passions, take risks, and strive for their aspirations. His successful integration into the LSU marching band sends a message of hope and possibility, proving it is never too late to realize a dream.
FAQ
- Who is Kent Broussard? Kent Broussard is a 66-year-old retiree who has recently joined the Louisiana State University marching band, fulfilling a lifelong dream.
- What instrument did he play? Broussard played the sousaphone in his youth before returning to the instrument after a 45-year hiatus.
- How did he prepare for joining the marching band? He practiced for a year to relearn the sousaphone, lifted weights, ran, and marched with the instrument in his neighborhood to build physical endurance.
- What is the LSU marching band known as? The LSU marching band is formally known as “The Golden Band from Tigerland” and consists of 325 members.
- What was his debut performance? Broussard’s debut performance took place on September 6 during a home game against Louisiana Tech.
- What message does Broussard convey through his story? He emphasizes that it is never too late to pursue one’s dreams and encourages others to take risks and explore new opportunities.
Key Features of Kent Broussard’s Journey
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 66 years old |
| Instrument Played | Sousaphone |
| Preparation Duration | 1 year |
| Weight of Instrument | 30 pounds |
| Debut Performance Date | September 6 |
| Band Membership Duration | Oldest member in 41 years |
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Additional Resources
- My Modern Met: Kent Broussard’s LSU Marching Band Journey
- The Guardian: Kent Broussard Joins LSU Marching Band at 66
- Southern Living: Retiree Kent Broussard’s LSU Band Debut
- AP News: Kent Broussard’s Marching Band Dream
- The New York Times: Kent Broussard’s Inspiring Journey
- Wikipedia: Marching Band
- Google Search: Kent Broussard LSU Marching Band
- Google Scholar: Kent Broussard Marching Band
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Marching Band
- Google News: Kent Broussard LSU Marching Band
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
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