The UConn Marching Band perform a preview show at the Sherman Family Sports Complex Saturday evening.

Marching Band Steps Up At Preview Show

By: Kimberly Primicerio

Posted: 9/4/07

The Sherman Family Sports Complex was showered in blue and khaki as the UConn Marching Band (UCMB) lined the field Saturday evening. The band, known as the "pride of Connecticut," practiced and tuned their instruments for an hour before performing their fall preview show for followers, friends and family.

As the group of almost 300 musicians played their scales and lip slurs, the color guard was off to the side, doing stretches and readying themselves for the show.

Being part of the marching band not only includes practicing an instrument or a talent, but practicing marching skills as well. The UCMB practiced their marching in practically perfect synchronization to the "ooo's" and "aahh's" of their audience.

The band made several different formations that involved the entire band counting off and remembering the steps they took to get to their specific place.

After the warm up was finished, the UCMB was ready to play its preview show.

The UCMB started off with a familiar tune, the "UConn Husky" fight song. The band performed this while in their U-C-O-N-N formation on the field.

Frank Pappalardo, the voice of the UCMB, introduced the band to loud cheers and chants. Several UCMB alumni were up in the stands rooting Pappalardo on making it difficult for the "voice" to do his talking.

Soon the band found themselves playing several tunes that will be heard at the football games.

Songs like "Get It On" and Van Morrison's "Moondance" were played, as well as the brass-filled melody "Land Of 1,000 Dances."

In between performances, the band took the time to acknowledge their band president, captains, staff and director.

Staff member Marvin McNeill explained how this year the UCMB will be paying tribute to jazz with their "jazz rhapsody" piece.

They will be "keeping it fresh" during football games and bringing some ragtime back, said McNeill.

The band showed this with the presentations of songs like "Hey Pachuco!" and "Chameleon."

Along with the jazz songs the UCMB will be playing a new fight song, entitled "Fight On CT." The fast paced melody provides a strong beat that is loud and sure to get both the crowd and players pumped explained McNeill.

Band director David Mills also spoke at the preview show. Mills said he wants to continue to improve the [marching band] program, and he thanked the UCMB alumni who continue to show their support.

The band desperately needs new uniforms and all donations are appreciated, according to Mills. The band received new uniforms in 1993, and they were considered to be only an eight year garment, but 14 years later the band continues to wear the same uniforms. Mills is trying to get the university to do more fundraising so new garments can be distributed to the band.

UCMB alum Sheryl Sobolewski, a rifle in the color guard, thought this year's preview show was awesome. Sobolewski has played with the UConn alumni band for the past 12 years. She found out about the preview show through the website, and continues to be a big supporter of the UCMB.

The night concluded with the singing of the UConn Alma Mater by the UCMB and alumni. The show provided their audience with a sneak peek of what they have in store for this coming fall.