Student Spotlight-Meadow Grant, UCD Marching Band
Beyond the Baton: Meadow Grant's Essential Role in the UC Davis Marching Band
Third-year Animal Science major Meadow Grant blends leadership, care, and collaboration in her behind-the-scenes role as Stunts Coordinator for the UC Davis Marching Band.
Leading from Behind the Scenes
Meadow Grant, a third-year Animal Science major with aspirations in the zoological veterinary field, brings a unique blend of passion and professionalism to her role in the UC Davis Marching Band. A dedicated musician who has played the clarinet since sixth grade, Meadow has moved into an essential, behind-the-scenes leadership position: the Stunts Coordinator.
Now in her second year in this role, she’s found that her responsibilities are less about showmanship and more about strategic logistics and critical risk management—a crucial but often unseen function that’s just as important to the band’s success as the performance on the field.
“It feels good to know that you’re taking care of people,” she said, “and that you can also be someone’s support.”
“We’re kind of a very behind-the-scenes role,” Meadow explained. “We set up practices before anyone gets there, make sure the band is healthy, organize water breaks, handle food before football games, and just make sure everything runs smoothly. If someone needs something, we run over and help.”
Balancing Safety and Teamwork
The Stunts Coordinator role is far more rigorous than many outside the band realize. Meadow shared a surprising aspect of her position: “We’re First Aid and CPR certified—we have to do that for our job.” That emphasis on emergency preparedness underscores the physically demanding nature of performing with the marching band, which she recognizes as more athletic than most people assume.
Meadow and her co-coordinator now work closely with a highly trained EMT to ensure that every band member stays safe and healthy during practices and performances. “It’s really reassuring knowing we have someone with medical training working alongside us,” she said. “We’re all focused on keeping everyone healthy and making sure they can perform at their best.”
These responsibilities have given Meadow a deeper appreciation for the unseen work that keeps the band safe and thriving. “Just knowing that I have to be aware of all the dangers and warning signs—like if someone might pass out—and knowing what to do if that happens, it’s a lot of responsibility,” she said. “But it’s worth it when you see everyone having a good time and know you helped make that happen.”
Where Animal Science Meets Marching Band
Meadow’s work in the band has an unexpected crossover with her Animal Science studies. “When I perform first aid, if I’m wrapping a wound, I sometimes do it the same way I would wrap a horse’s leg,” she said with a laugh. “I kind of tie them together—I put some of my animal science practices into my first aid work and vice versa.”
This hands-on experience has given her a deeper appreciation for how care and precision apply across disciplines. “Working with people has helped me so much,” she said. “There are a lot of people in the animal world, as weird as that sounds. This role really helps me practice communication, problem-solving, and my quick decision-making.”
She’s also developed patience and empathy through the job. “There can be times when things don’t go the right way,” she said, “but it’s better to take a moment, breathe, and work with a calm, clear mind.”
Lessons in Leadership
One of the most memorable learning experiences from Meadow’s position has been coordinating meals for a large and diverse group of band members. “It can be tough finding places that fit everyone’s dietary restrictions and allergies while also staying cost-effective,” she explained. “You don’t want people getting tired of the same food, so you have to get creative.”
Taking on a leadership role has also pushed Meadow to grow in confidence and self-assurance. Early on, she found herself learning how to communicate more assertively and lead with clarity. “This role has really taught me to speak up and trust my abilities,” she said. Meadow credits her supportive co-coordinator and the collaborative spirit of the band for helping her build those skills. “We share information, make decisions together, and really function as a team,” she said.
Through this experience, Meadow has learned that effective leadership is as much about confidence and clear communication as it is about empathy and teamwork—values she believes define the marching band community.
A Transformative Experience
Her advice to future students considering joining the band is simple: “Definitely do it,” she said without hesitation. “It’s a great way to make friends, explore your major, and open opportunities you wouldn’t expect.”
For Meadow, the UC Davis Marching Band has been more than just a college activity—it’s been a defining part of her time at UC Davis. The experience has strengthened her leadership, deepened her confidence, and allowed her to merge her passions for science, care, and community. As the band continues to perform across campus and throughout Northern California, it carries forward that same spirit of teamwork and dedication.
Staying Connected
To stay up to date with the UC Davis Marching Band, readers can find performance schedules, event updates, and community highlights on the UC Davis Marching Band website and social media platforms—showcasing the energy, collaboration, and pride that continue to define this UC Davis tradition.