For the Maldovan siblings, being in the Ohio State Marching Band is a family tradition.

Both Matt, a fourth-year member of the band who studies nursing, and Mariah, a second-year who studies political science, joined TBDBITL as flugelhorn players in S-Row and C-Row, respectively, following in the footsteps of their father and uncle.

While Matt will confess that he always dreamed of being in the OSUMB, his younger sister admits that she needed some convincing.

“I actually didn't want to go to Ohio State until I saw how much fun my brother was having here, especially in band,” Mariah said. “So I applied to OSU and picked up the trumpet halfway through my senior year of high school. He was a huge help for me trying out.”

Matt and Mariah began playing music when they were in grade school, starting with piano lessons. When they each reached fifth grade and were given the opportunity to join their school’s band, they both seized the moment. Matt picked up the trumpet and would stick with it through high school. Mariah started as a percussionist before switching to clarinet.

Eight months before 2015 tryouts, Mariah set aside her trusty clarinet and began working diligently on the trumpet under the guidance of her older brother. In the end, the hard work paid off.

“We worked with her a lot to get her ready to play and march at the high level needed to make the band,” Matt said. “Hearing her name called on Make the Band Night was an extremely rewarding moment for me, and I was so excited for her.”

Both Maldovans agree that being in the band together has turned it into a full family activity, with the whole family often traveling to watch them perform at Skull Sessions, home games and bowl games.

For Matt and Mariah, being able to share their TBDBITL experiences with each other and their family makes the memories that much more special.

“My favorite memory was probably the 2015 alumni game, when my dad, Mariah and I were all on the field at the same time,” Matt said. “Being in band with Mariah has certainly made band better for me and turned it into a full family activity.”