UConn Marching Band plays music both old and new

The famous UConn Marching Band, directed by Dr. David Mills, performed their annual Preview Show at the Sherman Family Sports Complex, Saturday, Sept. 1 at 8 p.m., where they presented the songs that will be played at each football game.

The campus was alive this past weekend, as the expressive and harmonious sounds of the marching band’s music filled the air. The band arrived at 7 p.m. for a rehearsal, which, along with the main show, was free and open to the public. Once the rehearsal was finished, fans filled the bleachers as the three drum majors, Jason Reider, Chris Rizzio and Jeff Ventres, began to conduct the show.

The band performed mostly modern pieces in the four-part program, such as Katy Perry’s “Firework,” Lady Gaga’s “Pokerface” and Nickelback’s “Burn it to the Ground,” but made sure to mix in some classic, True Blue UConn songs, like the Huskies’ Fight Song and “Old Connecticut,” UConn’s Alma Mater.

Alongside the band, of course, were the baton twirlers and the UConn Color Guard, both of whom are just as much a part of the marching band as the musicians, and help change it from a musical performance to a full-on musical extravaganza. Not to be outdone in terms of showmanship, however, the band itself engaged in a myriad of fun dance moves, as well as some singing along to their favorite songs. Katie McWilliams, a 3rd-semester English and history major, said, “The way that all the different groups can come and work together is amazing. It really shows how much spirit and pride they have for their school. They’re not just standing there, playing their music and twirling their batons; they’re getting into the feel of it and having fun. It’s inspiring.”

  The lineup received mainly positive feedback from the fans, with a few mixed opinions.

Jeff Labella, a 7th-semester psychology major, said, “Overall, it sounded really good, and some of the songs they chose were great, but I would’ve liked to hear more of a mix. Maybe some more of the classics.”

However, some fans felt that the music wasn’t modern enough. Jonathon Elmer, brother of a UConn student, felt that, “most of what they’re playing is old stuff. Let’s hear some songs from this year.” Playing the role of the neutral party, McWilliams said it was, “varied enough that it will appeal to everyone.”

Fans of the UConn Marching Band can see them perform next on Saturday, Sept. 8 at Rentschler Field, when UConn plays North Carolina State.