The Blue and Gold Brigade: A new direction

 By: Cooper Hillman, Assistant News Editor

The Canisius University Blue and Gold Brigade was founded in 2015 and has been going strong ever since. First founded by Bryan Sibbitts, the group has been through many changes, surviving the COVID years and beyond and making it to their 10–year anniversary last year.

After this milestone for the group, Sibbits, as well as other alumni, who had aided the group since the early years, announced that they would be stepping down from their positions and effectively retiring from the group to move on to their next chapter of life. 

Aaron Clift, a graduate of Canisius, stepped up to fill the role of director. When asked about the new position, Clift said, “During my time as a member, president, an alumnus and now director, this band has changed a lot. With all of this experience under my belt, I think that puts me in a unique position to take the band to the next level.”

In Clift’s first year, he plans to take things slowly, learn the ropes and settle into place as director as it’s his first time fully taking the reins of a band. “Down the line, I’m hopeful we can find more fundraising opportunities and be able to run bigger events as well as travel more as a group. I also hope to expand alumni relations and have alumni at games more often so that they have a place to play music even beyond our years at Canisius,” said Clift.

Rehearsals start next week, and Clift along with the band’s e-board members have selected new fan-favorite music, which they hope that fans will be able to enjoy throughout the basketball and hockey season.

With all of these leadership changes, the Blue and Gold Brigade is prepping for an exciting year ahead. Beginning their season at the LECOM HarborCenter on Oct. 2, 2026 when Canisius hockey hosts Ferris State, the next generation of the group is set to begin with a bang.