Celebrating a decade of Graduate

Ten years ago, we started creating hotels around a simple idea: school spirit stays with you wherever you go. And who better to embody that spirit than a college marching band? Join us in celebrating a decade of Graduate hospitality and our new chapter with Hilton.

Meet The Band

Spanning six decades of college marching band pride, this spirited group of musicians reminds us that no matter where we come from, We Are All Students. Discover their unique stories.

"I don't care what school you go to. The spirit never dies."

- John ‘Baton’ Mitchell

  • John 'Baton' Mitchell

    Feature Twirler

    Pennsylvania State University '92

    Penn State’s first-ever Black baton twirler

  • Ani Perez-Brennan

    Percussion

    University of Iowa '25

    Featured drummer for Hawkeye band's Metallica-themed show

  • Ashley 'Flute Bae' Crawford

    Flute & Piccolo

    Tennessee State University '11

    Professor of Flute at her alma mater, TSU

  • Hayley Rodriguez

    Sousaphone

    University of Oregon '27

    Majoring in music education at UO

  • Jeff Karoub

    Alto Sax

    Michigan State University '92

    Plays in the MSU Alumni Band with his daughter

  • Alan Franks Jr.

    Percussion

    North Carolina Central University '21

    Appeared in the movie musical “The Color Purple”

  • Brianna Jarvis

    Trumpet

    Auburn University ‘22

    Met her fiancé in marching band

  • Brent Morden

    Band Director

    Columbia University ‘19

    Current music director for Columbia Athletics Pep Band

  • Bert Keely

    Trumpet

    Stanford University ‘79

    Released a psychedelic folk album in college

  • Carly Larson

    Clarinet

    University of Washington ‘21

    Performing at UW’s alumni halftime show

  • Joe D’Amato

    Cymbals

    University of Wisconsin '15

    Been playing percussion since the 6th grade

Get in the spirit

Follow @GraduateHotels on Instagram to see more from the band.

College band cheerfully performing
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Forward, march

In case you missed the big news, Graduate Hotels is now part of the Hilton family. Join Hilton Honors today and enjoy your favorite Graduate stay with added perks like Points, free WiFi, access to exclusive experiences, and more.

See you around campus

Graduate hotel lobby
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