The Fresno State Bulldog Marching Band family welcomed David Fullmer as the new director of athletic bands this semester.

Fullmer has worked with marching bands from the high school to college level, eventually drawing the eye of Fresno State’s Gary Gilroy, director of bands. Gilroy was able to judge some of the competitions Fullmer’s band was in, stating that his bands were always wonderful. Gilroy encouraged Fullmer to apply for the position at Fresno State when it became available.
“It was a godsend when he came to us,” Gilroy said. “We really have struck gold. He’s such a seasoned professional.”

Fullmer came to Fresno State from Utah, having been the assistant director at Brigham Young University. Born in Southern California, Fullmer moved to Utah with his family while in high school. He attended Brigham Young University as well as University of Washington where he received his PhD. in conducting.

The marching band’s school year began a week before school was in session. This time is known as band camp, and was Fullmer’s official introduction to the band students.

The students had practice eight hours a day for six days. Even during these rather tough practice sessions, Fullmer said the students responded very well. He feels the band will be a good presence during the games. Hoping to bring a feeling of good sportsmanship to the game, Fullmer said the band will play the fight song from the visiting team during pre-game.

“Obviously we want the band to look and sound good,” Fullmer said. “But more than that I think the band can be a very positive force on game day.”
The students seem to be happy with their new director too. Emily Henderson, a senior in her second year in the marching band, feels that Fullmer is a more focused director.

“We are way ahead of where we were when the former band director was here,” Henderson said. “We’re getting things done.”

Even new students to the program like Fullmer’s style of directing. Rene Ponce, a senior studying music, said he likes how Fullmer pushes the band to be at their best even though they have much to learn in a short amount of time.

“At first it was rough, especially on the body,” Ponce said. “But it’s been tremendous fun.”

One of the things some students enjoy about Fullmer is his respect for the marching band.

“He understands that he’s coming into a developed program that already has bonds built among its members and he’s working on strengthening those bonds,” Henderson said.

The band, which comprises about 260 members including the color guard, will be marching its first show during the Sept. 1 football game. The halftime show will feature the trumpet section. This “trumpet screamer” themed show will be influenced by some of the great jazz trumpet musicians including Stan Kenton, Maynard Ferguson and Bill Chase, said Fullmer.

However, the show does not stay the same throughout the football season. Football fans can look forward to also seeing a Wild West-themed show, a fiesta game Latin-themed show and a show to honor veterans that will be featured at the end of the season.

Fullmer is happy with his new position and looks forward to working with the band.
“It’s been a great honor for me to take this position,” Fullmer said. “It’s a long- honored tradition and I’m proud to be part of the Fresno State game day tradition.”