CLARKSVILLE – Austin Peay State University's Governors Own Marching Band will host its Fourth Annual Band Day, Saturday, at Governors Stadium during Austin Peay's final regular-season home contest against Southeast Missouri.

Begun in 2012 with 82 high school students participating, the event has grown incrementally in the last three years, with 350 high school students expected to be in attendance for the 2015 edition for a 500-member ensemble. The students who participate get an up-close look at gameday for the GOMB, under the tutelage of Director of Athletic Bands John Schnettler.

The event serves as a showcase for future Austin Peay band members and the GOMB—Schnettler estimated 40 of Austin Peay's current members participated in at least one GOMB Band Day in the event's first three years.  

"This event is extremely important regarding the future of the GOMB," Schnettler said. "For them to be able to spend a day as a member of the band helps them have a clear idea of the energy and enthusiasm our students have for our performance and our University.  That kind of excitement is contagious—students very much want to be a part of the Band at APSU after participating in GOMB Day."

Schnettler sends the music beforehand to all participating students, with a one-hour rehearsal of music slated to start at 9 a.m. on gameday and a two-hour drill for the visual movement put together with the music to follow.

Students pay $20 to participate in the event, with that cost going toward lunch, music, a commemorative t-shirt and more. Family members of students participating in the 2015 Band Day can still purchase $5 tickets for Saturday's contest by going to LetsGoPeay.com/SportTix, following the prompts and entering "GOMB15"