By Emma Loura
Out on Memorial Stadium, K-State’s marching band practiced a rendition of John Phillip Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes Forever” on a 97-degree day in August. To the university’s director of bands, Frank Tracz, the grit of these students shows their commitment and drive. Tracz, who has worked at K-State for 33 years, announced that he is retiring in June 2026.
“I came here in 1993 as director of bands, director of the marching band,” Tracz said. “I thought I’d stay here a year or two and then go back home and here I am 33 years later. It’s been quite the run.”
