Western Illinois University Marching Leathernecks
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The Western Illinois University Marching Leathernecks is the official title of the marching band composed of the students of Western Illinois University in Macomb, Illinois, United States. The group was formed in 1904 and has since formed a reputation of musical excellence that is rich in both tradition and innovation.
This performing ensemble includes students from almost every academic major at the university. Members may be working towards an undergraduate or graduate degree in any discipline that is offered at the Macomb campus of WIU.
[edit] Performance information
The band is known for its powerful sound and unique innovations, which have impressed audiences throughout the Midwest. The Marching Leathernecks regularly support many local and regional events and are privileged to have a close bond with the campus community of Macomb, Illinois.
Their performances have included half-time shows for the Kansas City Chiefs, St. Louis Rams, Indianapolis Colts, and Chicago Bears of the National Football League, as well as exhibition performances at the Bands of America Regional Championships at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Missouri and at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis, Indiana. Western Illinois University also hosts the Marching Band Classic, a high school marching band competition that attracts bands from Illinois, Iowa and Missouri.
The Marching Leathernecks also perform for Leatherneck football games, both home and away, parades, exhibitions, and regional tours. The full schedule may be viewed on the bands WIU bands website.
[edit] Traditions
The band has a rich history and many traditions. These traditions vary in the levels of seriousness. However, from the most outrageous to the most somber, all of these traditions have a place rooted deeply in the activities of the Marching Leathernecks.
The tradition of "Georgia On My Mind" has been in practice since 1982. At the end of every show the band plays its traditional closer, "Georgia on My Mind". This piece features a trumpet soloist and an interesting presentation of the band. For this tune the brass is packed against the fence, right next to the crowd. Halfway through, the brass turns as one to face the crowd while playing as loudly as possible. Needless to say, this has become a crowd favorite. The late Dale Hopper started this tradition, along with many others.
Another important tradition started by Mr. Hopper is the "Never Walk Circle". After each performance, the band forms an inner facing circle to perform "You'll Never Walk Alone" from Carousel. This piece, which is performed for the group themselves instead of its audience, is used strengthen the commitment of the members to one another as individuals and helps to bond the group as a caring, compassionate family, both on and off the field. This has only been officially recorded once in the history of the group. That recording was made during a tribute to Dale Hopper who passed suddenly in the Fall of 2005.
