Horn of Plenty: Alumni gift 40 custom trombones to OSU Marching Band

Friday, November 3, 2023

Media Contact: Elizabeth Gosney | CAS Marketing and Communications Manager | 405-744-7497 | egosney@okstate.edu

Oklahoma State University’s Michael and Anne Greenwood School of Music recently received a gift that struck a nostalgic chord: OSU alumni Bob and Pam Spinks donated 40 Getzen trombones to support the Cowboy Marching Band.  

“Our love for Oklahoma State is deeply embedded in our family, just as it is in almost all graduates,” Bob said. “Because of our history with the band program, when Pam and I met OSU Director of Bands Dr. Brad Genevro and heard his tremendous vision for growing the program, it was natural that we wanted to partner with him in creating a wind and percussion program second to none.” 

Bob said their hope beyond the benefit of high-quality instruments is that they are modeling for students and alumni the spirit of giving back to OSU for all they learned and experienced there.  

Genevro expressed deep appreciation to the donors, who joined members of the band to unpack the trombones at the start of the school year.  

“If people believe in what you are trying to accomplish, they tend to try and help you achieve it,” Genevro said. “This donation has put some of the best instruments in the world in the hands of our students. It has made a significant impact on how we sound, as these large horns have enhanced the ensemble sound by filling it out.” 

According to Genevro, the instruments all have the OSU logo and donors’ names engraved on them so that each student is reminded of the Spinks’ gift. 

“Everything is special about these trombones,” Genevro said. “They were designed for us. We told the company what we wanted, and they took our ideas and created what we now have: something one of a kind!” 

The Spinks will present the trombones at the Wind Ensemble Homecoming concert where they will also conduct a piece with the Cowboy Marching Band.  

“Personally, this donation has been a huge blessing for me and I'm sure all the band members feel the same way,” said Caleb Gammill, leader of the trombone section. “It's been great for the new and returning members to play on these new horns. This donation has made a massive difference for our section and for the whole marching band.”  

To learn more about the Cowboy Marching Band, visit the ensemble’s website. 

Story By: Adeola Favour | CAS Graduate Assistant | fadeola@okstate.edu