Come Join the Band - Walsh University

Music atWalshHitting13The shineof instruments,a flash of color, theprecision of the march as thedrums roll…there’s almostnothing more exciting thanwatching, and listening to, amarching band take the fieldbefore a football game.But it takes a lot of hard work and initiativeon the part of many people to bring thatshow to the field.“Marching bands have long been synonymouswith college football,” said Dr. BrittCooper, Director of Fine & Performing Arts.“We have long, wanted to bring thatpageantry, that excitement, and thattradition to Walsh University.”For the first time in Walsh history, Cavalierfans will be treated to a fully outfittedmarching band. The Walsh UniversityMarching Band will make its historic debutin Fall 2011. But the real excitement comesfrom knowing that the creation of a newmarching band is just one addition in agrowing Walsh musical arts division.The tradition of the school marching bandhas been associated with the tradition ofcolleges and universities since the early1900’s, when fans were entertained by thefirst modern halftime show presented bythe University of Illinois at a football gameagainst the University of Chicago.The Walsh Marching Band will develop asit transitions from this year’s basketball PepBand to a Stand Band for football games inFall 2010, with the goal to have a full scalemarching band on the field for footballgames in Fall 2011. Future plans include thecreation of a concert band and jazz band forformal musical concerts.“From a practical standpoint, developing amarching band program is another wayto positively impact retention andrecruitment efforts,” said Dr. Cooper.“For our students, it enhances the collegiateexperience by bringing pride and energyto sporting and special events. A strongmarching band is truly the heartbeat ofany university.”The Cavalier Pride Pep Band has beenentertaining the crowd at both men’s andwomen’s Cavalier basketball games sinceNovember. Under the leadership of parttimedirector Mark Zartman, the bandhas drawn rave reviews from fans alreadythrilled with the Cavs new home arena inthe Cecchini Center.“The overall feedback from our fans thisseason has been extremely positive,” saidDale Howard, Athletic Director. “We havebeen working really hard to create theultimate ‘game day experience’ for our studentsand fans. The addition of a quality pepband, coupled with the championship playof our men’s and women’s teams, makes thisone of the best venues in the area.”