By Lori Dugan/EAC
THATCHER — Eastern Arizona College’s marching band – the Monster Band – returned to the Arizona State Capitol on Monday, performing during opening-day events as lawmakers gathered to begin the 2026 legislative session.
For the students, the day was about more than music. Band members arrived energized, exchanging fist bumps with lawmakers and visitors and wearing small signs pinned to the backs of their uniforms identifying the legislative districts they represent. Throughout the 60-minute performance, EA professor of music and marching band director Dr. Geoff DeSpain was a constant presence, offering encouragement, praise, and constructive feedback as the students performed.
Much of the program was conducted by student conductors, including drum majors Allan Yeomans and Cristian Farley, giving students valuable real-world leadership and performance experience on a statewide stage.
The band’s performance was made possible through an invitation from Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen. EA President Todd Haynie and Chief Government Affairs Officer Keith Alexander accompanied the band and helped facilitate opportunities for students to meet with members of the Legislature, including Sen. David Gowan, Rep. Gail Griffin, and Rep. Lupe Diaz, all of whom represent Graham County.
Several Arizona state legislators and other officials stopped to visit with students from their districts during the performance, creating informal but meaningful connections between policymakers and the communities EA serves. College leaders said those conversations help demonstrate the value of Eastern Arizona College to decision-makers from across the state.
“Opportunities like this show our students that their voices and talents matter,” DeSpain said. “They represented themselves, their hometowns, and Eastern Arizona College with pride.”
Following the Capitol performance, the band traveled by bus to Phoenix’s Musical Instrument Museum for an educational tour, then gathered for a fun, early dinner at Organ Stop Pizza in Mesa, before heading back to Thatcher. Students spent the return trip buzzing with excitement, talking about the experience and sharing how meaningful it was to perform at the Capitol and be a part of something that has become a tradition for the band.
Eastern Arizona College is Arizona’s oldest community college and is home to the state’s only community college marching band. To find out more or schedule a visit, contact the Enrollment Management office at (928) 428-8332 or email eainfo@eac.edu.
About Eastern Arizona College
Eastern Arizona College is Arizona’s first community college, serving students statewide through academic transfer, career and technical education, and workforce development programs. Located in Thatcher, EA is known for hands-on learning, strong student support, and distinctive fine arts opportunities, including Arizona’s only community college marching band. EA is committed to affordability and access, with most students graduating with zero debt. Learn more at eac.edu, email eainfo@eac.edu, or call (928) 428-8270.
