| The Marian University Marching Band | |
|---|---|
| School | Marian University |
| Location | Indianapolis, Indiana, USA |
| Conference | Mid-Central College Conference |
| Founded | 2009 |
| Director | Dr. Sidney T. Hearn |
| Members | 90 |
The Marian University Marching Band, is the official marching band of Marian University in Indianapolis, Indiana. The marching band is the largest student organization on campus and the university's largest for-credit course. Under the leadership of Dr. Sidney T. Hearn, the Marian University Marching Band took the field for the first time on September 19, 2009.
Since then, The band has performed for many prestigious events on and off campus. The band performs for home football games, parades, pep rallies, campus sporting events, community concerts, and private events. Recently, the Marian University Marching Band has become widely requested as an exhibition band for high school band competitions across the Midwest, performing headline exhibitions at the Indianapolis Public Schools Tournament of Bands and Bands of America Grand National Championships at Lucas Oil Stadium in 2010 and 2011.
In 1964, student John Sweany had a vision to bring the excitement that he experienced through his high school marching band to Marian College. With only six classmates and some bargain instruments, John formed the Marian Blue Knights—the first non-military collegiate Drum and Bugle Corps in the United States. Through dedication and skill, Sweany was able to take his corps to unexpected heights and provide the heartbeat of the campus for 12 years.
During its existence, the Marian Blue Knights performed at:
Holland Tulip Festival
Indianapolis 500 Festival Parade
Niagara Falls Blossom Festival
Kentucky Derby Parade
United States Capitol
Walt Disney World
Washington, D. C.
With the formation of a football team in 2007, Marian University president Daniel J. Elsener sought to create a marching band that could provide fans with that "college" atmosphere during games. This simple goal has blossomed into the brightest new program in the state.
During the 2009 season, the band fielded a drum line and horn line. Color Guard was added for the 2010 season, and 2011 saw the addition of pit percussion. In 2012, Marian University will field its first Winter Guard. Unparalleled support from the Marian University faculty, students, and the Indianapolis community, has ensured that the bands program will continue to grow and improve.