The Ferris State Marching Band Documentary poster, featuring the band performing in front of the Ferris State building under a dramatic sky

A Cinerrific! / Ferris State TDMP Production

The Ferris State Marching Band Documentary The Return of a Tradition

After three decades, the sound of the Ferris State University Marching Band returned. This documentary follows the people, purpose, and hope behind its first season back.

Where to watch Watch the trailer

Premiere weekend

Thank you for joining us

More than 150 people attended the film’s first theatrical screenings at the Big Rapids Theater. Thank you for helping us celebrate the return of this tradition.

Screening history

September 25–26, 2026

Big Rapids Theater
Friday public screening
Saturday premiere with the Marching Band
36-minute theatrical version

Planned for February 2027

Festival of the Arts

Big Rapids, Michigan
Specific date and details to be announced
Check the festival website closer to February

Visit the Big Rapids Festival of the Arts website closer to February to explore the full schedule of events.

Preview the film

Official trailer

Viewing availability

Where to watch

The full documentary is not yet publicly available. New viewing options will be posted here as they are confirmed.

Next step

Public television

A 26:46 broadcast version is being prepared for submission through the National Educational Telecommunications Association (NETA), with the goal of making the documentary available for consideration by PBS stations across the country.

Under consideration

DVD release

A DVD release is also being considered for people who would like an opportunity to watch the documentary sooner. Details will be shared here if that option moves forward.

About the documentary

A tradition, heard again.

The film chronicles the return of the Ferris State Marching Band after 30 years — beginning with the work of rebuilding and moving through band camp, first performances and season, and the national championship trip to Texas.

At its center is a story of hope, leadership, tradition, and the students who brought the band back to life.

Produced and directed by Andrew Tingley · A Cinerrific! production

From 1994 to today

A brief history of the return

Early 1990s

An era ends

The previous era of the Ferris State Marching Band comes to an end.
2025

The band returns

After three decades, the sound of the Ferris State Marching Band returns to campus.
Fall 2025

Taking the field

The new band gives its first performance and begins its inaugural season.
December 2025

The road to Texas

The band travels with the Bulldogs during their national championship run.
September 25–26, 2026

Documentary premiere

The film receives its first theatrical screenings at the Big Rapids Theater.
February 2027

Festival of the Arts

A future theatrical screening is planned as part of the Big Rapids Festival of the Arts.

Questions about the film

Frequently asked questions

This section will grow as new questions and viewing information become available.

How long is the documentary?

The first theatrical release is 36 minutes long. A PBS broadcast version will need to be 26:46 to fit the available program time slot.

Where can I watch it?

The full documentary is not currently available to the public. The next planned theatrical screening is part of the Big Rapids Festival of the Arts in February 2027, with details to be announced. In the meantime, the official trailer is available above.

Will there be additional screenings?

Yes. A February 2027 theatrical screening is being planned as part of the Big Rapids Festival of the Arts . The specific date and other details will be posted here when they are confirmed.

Will it be available online or on PBS?

Not yet. The next step is to prepare and submit a broadcast-length version through the National Educational Telecommunications Association (NETA) so PBS stations around the country can consider airing it. A DVD release is also under consideration.

Is the film captioned?

Not yet. Captions will be required as part of preparing the documentary for public television broadcast.

Who produced the documentary?

The documentary was produced and directed by Andrew Tingley , an assistant professor in Television and Digital Media Production at Ferris State University.

How can I request a screening or contribute historical material?

A private contact method for screening requests and historical photographs, video, or other materials will be added here soon.

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