University of Washington Husky Marching Band
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| Husky Marching Band | |
|---|---|
| School | University of Washington |
| Location | Seattle, WA |
| Conference | Pac-10 |
| Founded | 1929 |
| Director | Dr. Brad McDavid |
| Members | 240+ |
| Uniform | Purple and White jackets, Purple pants with gold pinstripes, white hats with gold plumes |
The University of Washington Husky Marching Band (HMB) is a 1240-member ensemble utilizing the traditional chair-step and toe-point style of marching. The HMB is a year-round ensemble that actively participates in supporting all of the Husky Athletics. All members participate during the fall to help support Husky Football at all home football games and even selected away games. Selected members also have the chance to help support other sports such as Men's and Women's Basketball, Volleyball, Softball, Baseball, and Gymnastics, Swimming and Track events.
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[edit] The Directors
In its 77 year history the University of Washington Marching Band has only had 4 Directors.
Dr. Brad McDavid (1994-present)
Dr. Brad McDavid joined the Husky Marching Band in 1994. He brought to the band his experiences at Ohio State where he was a sousaphone player. Brad mixes the rich traditional drills that the husky band is known for with more contemporary drills. Since his arrival the Husky Marching Band has grown in numbers and musicianship.
Bill Bissel (1970-1993)
Bill Bissell joined HMB in 1970. Under his direction the band developed the signature ‘flag pole’ formation for raising the flag at the conclusion of every home pre-game show. Along with Yell King Rob Weller Bill Bissell created “The Wave” during the homecoming game of 1981. Bissell is also known for the vaudevillian show performed when the Husky Band retired the old uniform and put on the new. The drums played a stripper-esk beat while the band stripped off the old uniforms.
Bill Cole (1957-1969)
Bill Cole became director of the Husky Marching Band in 1957. Before becoming director Cole was an assistant director under Walter Welke for 10 years. Under his direction the band began the traditional ‘bowing the letter’ in the HUSKIES formation. Bill Cole had a major impact on the rise of musicianship within the band.
Walter C. Welke (1929-1956)
Walter Welke was the Husky Marching Bands first director. Founded in 1929 the Husky band adopted the ‘high-step’ traditional style of marching which they still use today. Welke was an innovator in the integration of on-field drill and musical performance. Welke began the tradition of saluting the visiting teams by spelling out their names on the field while playing their fight song.
[edit] Band Day
Band Day is an annual event where 30+ high schools from the Northwest join the Husky Marching Band on the field for Pregame and Halftime. Not only do the high schools participating get to march in Husky stadium in front of 70,000 fans, they also get to sit in the stands and watch the game. Band Day is a great tradition and helps promote marching and musical performance in the state of Washington.
[edit] Pep Bands
Thus University of Washington Husky Marching Band performs several annual Pep Bands as well as many other public performances.
Husky Huddles - 2 hours before kickoff at every home football game the Husky Marching Band marches into Dempsey Indoor center and performs exciting stands tunes to pump up the crowd. Husky Huddles are open to the General Public and not restricted to ticket holders.
Opening Day Boat Parade - Every spring, the marching band meets to play for the annual Crew Races and Boat parade. A local favorite of Seattlites, the band gathers to cheer their men and women's crew teams to victory. After the races, the band and cheer group onto 4 alumni yachts, kicking off the Opening Day Yacht Parade through the Montlake cut, playing Husky favorites the entire time. Thousands of spectators enjoy the sights and sounds of Husky Band and Cheer afloat during the boat parade.
Seafair - Seafair is a Seattle tradition. Every July/August, two weeks of community events culminate in the annual Torchlight Parade. The Husky Band is asked to perform every summer in the evening parade, helping to fill the night with excitement and fun for the families. Not only do current varsity members march in this parade, but it also allows alumni to come back and once again entertain people from around the Sound. The cheer squad leads off the group, daring gravity all along the way, next comes the famous Husky Helmet car, and following is the band, helping pump up the crowd with rousing versions of Everybody's Everything, Louie Louie, Tequila and Victory for Washington.
Spring Game - The Spring game is an annual event where the husky football team plays an exhibition game against itself. This is a time for the public to come and watch our veteran players in action. The Husky Marching Band wears our Gold band shirts and plays in the band block for the duration of the game.
Fall Fling - Fall fling occurs during Dawg Daze, which is the University of Washington's welcome event for incomming freshman. Every year the Husky Marching Band performs their favorite stands tunes on the Hub lawn. This is an exciting event used to prepare the freshmen for the upcoming athletic season.
Movies/TV - The Husky Band is lucky to be the largest collegiate marching band in Western Washington. They have been asked to take parts in movies and TV shows such as Wheel of Fortune and made music to a producer's ears during 'The Sixth Man.'
Pro Teams - The Husky Band believes in full entertainment for the public. If you miss seeing the HMB in action during a Husky Football home/away game, you can catch them at a local professional sporting event. The Seattle Seahawks and Seattle SuperSonics both have the band come in and perform during half times every year.
Donor Pep Bands - Throughout the year, the HMB is contacted to do numerous community events and corporate pep bands. After being contacted, the band will then form a small pep band to help add excitement to community banquets, corporate events and any other private party. A little imagination and a donation to the band fund can add endless fun to any party.
[edit] Marching Band Facts
- The Husky Band is credited with creating The Wave, when, at a 1981 Homecoming game against Stanford, former Yell King Rob Weller and director Bill Bissell originated what has gone on to become a global fan phenomenon.
- The Husky Band was recipient of the Most Valuable Player award following the 1991 shutout of USC at Husky Stadium (31-0). The defeat was only the 3rd time in 23 seasons that the Huskies had shutout the Trojans
- The Husky Band is one of only three Pac Ten bands that continue to use the physically demanding, traditional 'high step' style of marching.
- Band members represent the UW at all Husky Football home and away games, including bowl games, receive Husky merchandise and participate in many more activities sponsored by the Athletic Department.
- Husky Band members rehearse approximately 12 hours each week for each home game.
- At each home football game, the HMB "raises" its 45' by 75' American Flag to the strains of America the Beautiful. Brass and percussion form the flagpole and woodwind players bear the flag, one of the most unique presentations of the colors in the nation.
- The Husky Marching Band has performed in six Rose Bowl Parades since 1980.
- The Band and Cheer Squad have a unique interactive relationship, each relying on the other to make the best performance possible. Before each home game, they team up to entertain the crowds in Dempsey Indoor Facility at the Husky Huddles.
- Husky Band is used as an important community music promoter. Each year during football season, the band hosts Band Day, which allows high school students to participate in both pre-game and halftime field shows in a university environment. Additionally, the band holds a Young People's Concert for elementary and middle school students to introduce them to marching band and spark their interest in musical performance.
[edit] Toast to the Northwest
Toast to the Northwest is an annual fundrasiser put on by the Husky Marching Band.
For more information check out the Toast to the NW Website: Toast to the NW
The Husky marching band recently celebrated its 75th anniversary. The Husky marching band is directed by Dr. Brad McDavid
[edit] External links
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