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
Content list
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.
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
