Max Cogswell, formerly of Marietta, now plays tuba in OSU’s marching band and hopes to be chosen as one of the band’s members who dots the I, in Ohio, during select performances. There have been two other Marietta Alum, who have held this title as they are pictured here with Cogswell. From left to right: A.J. Babcock, Max Cogswell, and Mark Cooper. (Photo Provided)

Maxwell Cogswell, formerly of Marietta, who attended Marietta High School and was part of the Wall of Sound, has marched his way into his junior year with The Ohio State University, as a member of its marching band.

Cogswell is part of the brass section, playing the sousaphone. For those who are not familiar as to what the sousaphone is, it’s simply a version of the tuba.

“I had tried playing other instruments, prior to holding a tuba in my hands, but the moment I felt the vibrations of the sounds created by engaging the tuba’s mouth-piece, I knew I had found my instrument,” the 23 year old student explains.

Cogswell’s family has always been big on music, as even his grandparents were once students who attended OSU and while there, were also a part of the marching band,

“It’s in my bloodline, and it’s the one thing that I will always be passionate about, as I feel that music serves as a universal language, that brings even those who have nothing in common, together, in harmony,” he said.

Max Cogswell marches with enthusiasm, during the 2022 halftime show of the Rose Bowl, as the Buckeyes took the win against Utah. (Photo Provided)

Cogswell has enjoyed his time at OSU, noting some of his experiences, “I really loved getting the chance to travel to be a part of The Rose Bowl, when we played Utah for the win. It just felt amazing to be there to play music and encourage our team to win. Also getting the opportunity to witness the biggest rivalry in NCAA history, between us and Michigan, and even though we did not win, it was still really amazing to be in the stands and watch our team play as hard as they did. It’s just good football.”

Cogswell said being a member of the marching band of one of the biggest universities in the nation is very rewarding, but there is so much work required of the members to put on the half time shows and other performances that have earned the band a positive reputation.

“We practice Monday through Friday, from 4:10 p.m. to 6:15 p.m., and when we aren’t practising, we are still involved with other band members and it just becomes a part of who we are,” Cogswell said.

Although it has been speculated that Cogswell is the member of the band, who dots the i in Ohio, during performances, the tuba lover explains that he has not reached the level of experience, just yet, to receive the nomination of such an honor.

“We have to be seniors, in order to be nominated by fellow band members, and then we are voted in to have that official title, as the i dotter, so I still have that to look forward to,” he said.

During the 2021 rival game between OSU and Michigan, Cogswell remained stoic, donning the notorious, “Beat Blue Banana”, in which the sousaphone section waves around in the stands for good luck, on game day, even though on this particular game day, the Buckeyes fell short of the victory. (Photo Provided)

Cogswell is the son and nephew of the owners (Ben and Russ) of Marietta’s Apex True Value, Feed and Supply store, and even suggested an interest in the family business.

“Marching band is my life at the moment, but when it’s time to pursue new endeavors, I would like to take over our business someday, but music will always be my number one priority.”