The Marching Hundred

[If that promotional video didn't inspire you, don't feel bad. It's not your fault...boiler up!]

Putting aside the "unfounded regional hatred," as my drum major likes to call it, this band has recently proven their worth in the marching band world by receiving the Sudler Trophy in 2007. Indiana's Marching Hundred has been a long-time symbol for the university. It was first established in 1896 with 22 members. Currently, the band has over 240 members. Musicians are chosen only partly through audition. If you happen to be a brass player, you lucked out because all brass are accepted into the band. Woodwinds on the other hand go through playing tests and a short interview. If there is interest in joining this band, check out the official website.

Since 1896, a few traditions have taken hold, including pregame. The following video exhibits each major section of the IU pregame:

In addition to pregame, traditions like "The Walk and PowerPlay!," the playing of "Sing, Sing, Sing!," and section competitions during band camp have all become a part of this band. The first in that line-up occurs before the game when a small group of trumpets plays "The Rock Fanfare" to the football team and the student and Bloomington resident they happen to choose for that day. The trumpets rejoin the rest of the Marching Hundred and play pregame songs until reaching Memorial Stadium where they set up concert arcs before the game. The Hoosier rendition of "Sing, Sing, Sing!" has become a tune to look forward to because every year, a brand new drum solo is created. Finally, one of the traditions that many band members look forward to is the section competition at the end of camp. This event consists of a three minute performance by a two sections put together that are pitted against all other section pairs. The competition process continues until the winner is selected. The winning section gets the coveted prize of eating first at the band banquet.

If you're interested in the tradition of music at IU, check out the music link found at the sousaphone section's site which will lead you to sheet music.

For detailed information on the drumline, take a look at this site.

Yosemite Marching Band

Take a gander...
"It's just another day in the marching band - Yosemite Marching Band that is."

Ohio State

Known for their "Script Ohio," the Ohio State University Marching Band is on of the most well-known bands in the Big 10 Conference. However, after watching the video, I couldn't help but think of Dr. Seuss and the Whoville horns. If someone would like to enlighten me as to what instrument that is (0:44), please feel free to leave a comment. In any case, this band has existed since 1896 when it was formed to play at sporting and military events. It continuously expanded slowly to become the 225 member band it is today. This is an all-brass and percussion band with no woodwinds. Like Michigan State's band, I'm still slightly impressed at how the band can still achieve such a warm sound with no woodwinds. This can be heard through this recording of "Carmen."

A band with that kind of sound has thousands of fans without a doubt. The most dedicated take part in the long-standing "Skull Session." This tradition began in 1932 when the director decided to schedule one last rehearsal for the bandsmen to think and play through the show before game day. The practice started to become so popular that tickets were distributed to the musicians so that their parents would be assured seating. Today, the "Skull Session" is now a pep rally with more than 10,000 attendees. Directly following the pep rally is the band's traditional "Ramp Entrance." After marching to Ohio Stadium, the drumline section leader sets a tempo of 180 and yells, "Drums on the side!" This signals the beginning of pregame. The drumline takes the field first while repeatedly chanting, "O-H-I-O, Ohio." After all ranks have taken the field, the band plays "Buckeye Battle Cry," and the drum major performs the traditional back bend. A final tradition is the playing of "Hang On Sloopy." The song was first played by the band in 1965 when, after playing it in the stands, the crowd demanded more. A fun fact about this song is that it was used on more than one occasion to test the structural stability of the stadium. In fact, in 1988, the band was asked to refrain from playing the tune until officials could make sure the pressbox was stable enough to endure the song's power. To learn more about this tradition and others, check the official band site. If it's the history of the band you want, check this out.

Senior Show

Working hard to get my fill,
Everybody wants a thrill.
Build me up, Buttercup.
Don't break my heart.
Does your conscience bother you?
Tell the truth.
We've got to hold on to what we've got.
It doesn't make a difference if we make it or not.
Lay your weary head to rest.
Don't you cry no more.
That's the way I like it.

No, fortunately that is not a new hit single. The lyrics are however this year's final "All-American" Marching Band show music. For the first time in Purdue history, the senior class has gotten a chance to literally design all aspects of the show - from music to drill. For the past to weeks the band's senior show committee has been working hard to piece this final show together. The band will feature "Carry On Wayward Son," "Get Down Tonight/That's the Way (I Like It)," a medley of "Sweet Home Alabama," "Build Me Up Buttercup," and "Living on a Prayer," and "Don't Stop Believing." All songs come with their own drill sets with the exception of "Get Down Tonight." The band will start off with traditional drill for "Carry On Wayward Son" and will feature the trumpets and trombones in the center of the field. In the medley, the band will make formations corresponding with each song. "Sweet Home Alabama" drill consists of a house complete with windows and a doorknob. The very appropriate buttercup flower will be used for "Build Me Up Buttercup," while a cassette tape will be used for "Living on a Prayer." The finale of "Don't Stop Believing" features all styles of marching (glide step, low chair, and high chair) and proves to be a high-energy culmination for the 2008 season. Directly following the show, the seniors will make their way to the front of the field to the tune of "Auld Lang Syne" in order to hit the Big Bass Drum, symbolizing their final performance with the band.


Any Kansas fans out there?


Need inspiration from the '80s?

Band Jokes

Band geeks are commonly the butt of many a joke, which is why we decide at one point or another to join the fun and make fun of ourselves. Here is a compilation of a few of the better ones [F.Y.I. These are clean jokes.]

Q: Why is a dead snake in the road more tragic than a dead trombonist in the road?
A: There are skid marks in front of the snake.

Q: What do you call someone who hangs around with musicians?
A: A drummer.

Q: How do you get a guitar player to play softer?
A: Give him some sheet music.


Q: How can you tell if a plane is full of flute players?
A: When the engines stop, the whining continues.


Q: How many trumpets does it take to change a light bulb?
A: Only one; he holds it and the world revolves around him.

Q: A conductor and a violist are standing in the middle of the road. which one do you run over first, and why?
A: The conductor. Business before pleasure.


Q: How do you get two piccolo players to play in unison?
A: Shoot one.

Q: Why don't baritone players play hide and seek?
A: No one will look for them.


Q: What's the purpose of the bell on a bass clarinet?
A: Storing the ashes from the rest of the instrument.

Q: What do you call a beautiful woman on a trombonist's arm?
A: A tattoo.


Q: How do you get a drummer to play an accelerando?
A: Ask him to play in 4/4 at a steady 120 bpm.


Q: What is the main reason for air pollution?
A: So much of it has passed through sousaphones.


Q: What's the difference between a clarinet and an onion?
A: No one cries when you chop a clarinet into little pieces.

Q: What would a musician do if he won a million dollars?
A: Continue to play gigs until the money ran out.


Q: What do a saxophone and a baseball bat have in common?
A: People cheer when you hit them with a bat.

Q: What's the difference between trumpet players and government bonds?
A: Government bonds eventually mature and earn money.

If you've ever been a member of the band, you probably know someone like "Dan."


Q: What is the definition of perfect pitch in a piccolo?
A: When you throw it in the toilet and it doesn't hit the rim.

Q: Why can't a gorilla play trumpet?
A: He's too sensitive.


Q: How many trumpet players does it take to screw in a lightbulb?
A: Zero. They just complain about the darkness until a trombone player does it for them.

Q: Why is the French horn a divine instrument?
A: Because a man blows in it, but only God knows what comes out of it.

Ah, those blissfully ignorant of what color guard is...


Of course, there are always the ever-popular "You know you're a band geek when..." jokes. Finally, bringing up the rear, we have the term "band geeks," as defined by Uncyclopedia.

This one time at band camp...

Where can you find a cross between Louis Armstrong, Justin Timberlake, Ozzy Ozbourne, Artie Shaw, and Charlie the Unicorn? Why, marching band of course! Marching band members are a breed of their own. Band kids are so unique that even my own band director told us, "Never permeate the species," when it came to dating drummers. Naturally, a number of stories would result with such a mix of people.

Quite obviously, band camp stories are eminent. From a massive water-gun fight to "Ghetto" day, there was never a dull moment. With my band, it was always a tradition to have senior wills around a bonfire the last night of band camp. Here are a few of the testimonies:

"I used to hate marching band...now I don't hate it as much."

"I don't know you, but I love you!"

[tenor speaking to his fellow snare] "I really used to hate you - like last year. I had a really sh- [glances at director] poopy car, and then you crashed into it. Now, we're really good friends."

[Note: be aware that not all testimonies are coherent.]

"If I had stuck with basketball, could I have been the greatest?"

I recall the days when a friend and I decided porta-potties were disgusting, so we went 15 straight hours without a bathroom break. I remember discussing the awkward males who, after marching with a DCI corp all summer, decided it was okay to go shirtless. Later in the season I was subject to seeing sousaphones attempt to catch footballs in their instruments only to utterly fail, dent the horn in the process, and have the director severely scold them. Speaking of directors, there was one night when mine was so completely ecstatic over the run-through we had just preformed that he ripped the railing off of his metal podium and threw it into the night sky almost wiping out the entire pit section completely. There were the bus rides full of Egyptian Ratscrew games, Spanish dialogue and singing, breakouts of Disney song, and playing the wholesome game of "Would you blank my blank?" (ex. Would you shine my trumpet?).The author of this blog was able to find a few stories of her own including a kid who asked a friend to lock him in a tuba locker overnight. If you have any band confessions or stories, feel free to leave a comment. We could all use a laugh every once and a while.

[For those who don't know who Charlie is or why he would go to Candy Mountain.]


[Purdue at Iowa: no Purdue Preview this week]

Badger Band

One of the more interesting videos of Wisconsin marching band director, Mike Leckrone:

Born the fall of 1885 as the "Wisconsin Regimental Band," Wisconsin's band has grown from eleven members to 325 members. Here are what some bandsmen have to say about their experience:

"Marching Band has been one of the greatest experiences I've had in college. The challenges it has presented have been the toughest, yet most gratifying in my life. The memories and friendships I have gained are irreplaceable."

Luke Hoffman
West Salem, WI
Economics

"Band has been by far my best experience at UW Madison. It has provided me with great experiences, wonderful friendships, and lasting memories. The pride you feel when stepping onto the field at Camp Randall is like none other. The practices are intense, and it takes a high level of commitment, but the pride you gain from being a member of this band is more than worth it."

Ericka Binkley
Monroe, WI
Business Management and Marketing

It's no wonder why the feedback is so positive when the band performs dozens of traditions at every performance. A few are "The 5^th Quarter," "Sky Rockets," and the "Tuba March." "The 5^th Quarter" is the band's post-game show consisting of 50 minutes of musical entertainment. Unlike the situation at other stadiums, you'll find that thousands of fans stay to enjoy the performance. The band plays a traditional listing of songs, like "Beer Barrel Polka," "Dance Little Bird (Chicken Dance)", "Tequila," "Space Badgers," and many more selections. "Sky Rockets" is a tradition that used to be used by college students when greeting professors. It's now used by the band to address someone or to announce a song or cheer. The "classic" example, provided by the marching band's official website, goes as follows: "SSSSS ... BOOM ... AHHHH .... WHISTLE! Hey Seattle, is that the Space Needle or are you just happy to see us?" The last mentioned tradition happens on game-days when, at the start of the fourth quarter, the tuba section lines up and marches around the stadium playing songs such as "Semper Fidelis" and "On Wisconsin." This tradition, which started in 1950, has been banned and reinstated due to the support of the students and alumni.

To learn more about the band, check out this fellow blogger from MuMuPi (National Fraternity of Marching Saxophones). As the blog is fairly new, you can find even more information on the old site. If it's music you're looking for, check out "Varsity," the alma mater. More music links are found on the official website listed above.

[While on the subject on alma maters, I must say that I was greatly impressed by the performance of "Shadows" by Michigan State's band. With no marching winds except for saxophones, they were still able to achieve a certain warmth to their sound...very impressive if you ever get a chance to hear them live.]

Band Travel Update

The "All-American" Marching Band will be performing twice on Friday as well as at the Michigan State football game on Saturday. Performances include the College Football Hall of Fame at 12pm and at Okemos High School at 7pm. Check out these concerts if you're in Michigan!

[A big thank you to all of the Okemos families that will be hosting our band!]

Purdue Preview

After much deliberation, the "All-American" Marching Band has decided to bring the "Detective Show" performed last weekend to Michigan State. Originally, the band was going to perform "Dancing with the Band" (the show featuring "Boogie Down," "Dance Medley," 1941's "Swing, Swing, Swing," and drum sets taking the field). While at first a disappointing change of plans, there was good reason behind the decision. The following is a summary of an e-mail update explaining the show switch sent out to the marching band:

1. MSU is having its "Senior Day" this Saturday and the show must be cut to five minutes long. The slaughtered version of "Dancing with the Band" would only be a ghost of the exciting show that was performed at the Penn State game. Much of "Detective Show" can still be kept, except for the omission of "Live and Let Die."
2. A semi-truck would have needed to be rented to transport the drum sets. If it were to rain, the drum sets could not be taken onto the field. The money needed to rent the truck would have put a large and unnecessary dent in the budget (with a 60% chance of rain on Saturday).
3. "Detective Show" could be perfected since it is fresh in the minds of the band and be performed at a phenomenal level.
4. The band would have more time during rehearsal to perfect the revised pregame.

While much of the band, including myself, was intent on seeing the swing show come to life at Michigan State, "Detective Show" seems to overwhelmingly be the better option at this point. In order to fit within the time constraints, the band will omit "Live and Let Die," as previously stated, scratch the first half of the medley and go directly into "Detective Vamp." The ending of the show will remain the same except for the final drill. The band will come off of the field while playing the last strains of the medley instead of the traditional "Hail Purdue." Despite the last minute changes, this weekend will still prove to be a great one for the Purdue band program. Come out and support the Boilers and the "All-American" Marching Band at Michigan State this weekend. Let's bring home another win - Boiler up!

Marching Hawkeyes

Like many other Big 10 bands, this group is the largest student organization on campus. The band is composed of 240 musicians with one drum major, a Golden Girl twirler, and the Iowa Dance Team. To find out more about this band in a formal format, check out the university's official website. If you're looking for an informal approach to getting to know this band, I recommend the section sites. For example the saxophones provide us with a wonderful version of the fight song - disco version. Check it out here under "Media" then "Sounds." After looking at a woodwind section, it's only fair to give the brass their time to shine. Watch a video of the trumpet cheer here. When looking at the band as a whole, numerous traditions are present, like the pregame show:



In addition to the pregame tradition of "The Boom" which begins pregame, other musical selections have become an integral part of the program. "Hey Jude" and the "Hawkeye Victory Polka" are two main pieces, the latter being the most notable. Another name for it is perhaps more common - "In Heaven There Is No Beer." Originally, beginning in 1960, this song was a stands tune. However, it was banned in 2001 when the president of the university deemed the lyrics to promote alcohol abuse. After much protest by the band and their fans, the song was brought back and is now played only for special events and after a Hawkeye victory. The song is still kept on the down-low, as no sheet music is printed and new members are not taught the notes. Students now learn the tune by ear.

Traditional section bonding is also evident. The annual "Sousy Bowl" is a game of contact football played between the sousaphone sections of the University of Iowa and Iowa State University of the Big 12. "Saxamatone Kickball" is another bonding tradition between the sax and baritone sections. No others may participate except for the drum major and Golden Girl who can choose to be on either team.

Not just a dumb jock

I came across this story a few days ago. Watch this video to see a short segment about high school junior, Josh Johnson, breaking out of the status quo.

It's always refreshing to see people, especially teenagers, step out of their cliques. As much as we make fun of stereotypes, band geeks aren't nerd and jocks aren't as dumb as a pile of rocks. Personally, I discovered this my freshman year of high school. My next door neighbor happened to play the tenor drums and was drumline section leader that year. He marched with a DCI corps over the summer and needless to say, he was the epitome of what we all termed to be "hardcore." When the football season rolled around, he marched with us out to the field, played the cadence, then stripped his uniform. Underneath was a uniform of another kind - a cheerleader outfit. I have to admit, I was in awe that first game. The guy who was one of the most intense drummers around was also a cheerleader. It just goes to show you, no one is as black and white as we would sometimes like them to be.

[For any "High School Musical" fans out there who are still riding the wave of the third movie, I bet this was a reason why you loved the movies.]