SALISBURY — It’s preseason football time, and one Salisbury native is very excited about the start of it.

Madison Smith, who played in both the West Rowan High School and Catawba College marching bands, is a member of the NFL Baltimore Ravens’ Marching Ravens band, which will be playing at the team’s first preseason home game Friday.

“I’m quite excited and ready to cheer my team on,” said Smith.

The first preseason game will be held Aug. 9 at 7:30 p.m. at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore against the Philadelphia Eagles, and their second is slated for Aug. 17 at noon against the Atlanta Falcons with the band playing at both games.

Music has always been a very big part of her life, Smith said previously when it was announced that she had been named a member of the band.

Smith also noted earlier that she has taken both piano and violin lessons and taught herself to play the saxophone; however, her main instrument, and the one she plays in the band, is the flute.

Her journey to become a band member began as she was watching a Ravens’ football game and learned they were one of only two professional teams that had a band and that they were holding auditions for members. She went through the process and traveled to Baltimore in March for auditions. She received an email April 14 congratulating her on making it into the Marching Ravens and on May 1 reported to Baltimore, Maryland, for orientation.

“Practices have been absolutely amazing,” said Smith. “The people are awesome, and they greatly care about the art that we have taken part in. I’m very glad and thankful that I have gotten this amazing opportunity to work with them.” 

During the summer, the band has participated in multiple events including a July 4 parade. Smith’s sister, Megan Smith, was able to visit her in Baltimore at this particular time.

“I got to see her in one of the three parades she marched in. The band was a huge part of the celebration in the community of Catonsville,” Megan said.

Catonsville is a suburb of Baltimore, she added, and also noted that Maryland’s governor, Wes Moore, was in the parade.

Her family, which includes her mom, Angela Thompson; stepdad, Larry Thompson; and siblings, Megan Smith, Matthew Smith, Malachi Smith and JoEllen Thompson, expressed their pride in her when she first made the team and once again as she continues that journey.

“We are so proud of Madison, and so excited for her as she spreads her Raven wings and flies this football season,” Megan shared on behalf of the family.

If they are able, the family, including her uncle, aunt, and cousins, along with others, hope to attend a game in October.