2:10 p.m., Jan. 7, 2009----Before returning to the First State to get the University of Delaware Marching Band up to speed for its Inaugural Parade appearance, its director, Heidi Sarver, was in California, where she served as associate director of a national honor band that was awarded the President's Trophy at the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena.

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The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) honor band, which teamed with Sesame Street characters, performed before more than one million parade watchers and an estimated 60 million television viewers around the planet, said Sarver, an associate professor of music.

Comprised of high school students and college freshmen, NAMM included 315 members, 24 world percussionists, a 4-piece jazz combo, a string trio, three vocalists, one garbage can player and Bob McGrath (best known for playing Bob on Sesame Street), all combined within and around a 54-feet main float and three satellite floats, Sarver said.

“The President's Trophy is for the most effective floral use and presentation,” Sarver said. “It was presented to NAMM at a special dinner the evening before the parade.”

Sarver said that winning an award was the last thing she envisioned during five hectic days of practice prior to performing in the 120th Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year's Day.

“My goal was to make sure the drum majors were prepared, that the low brass knew their music and that the entire group stayed together,” Sarver said. “It was about six in the morning in the staging area on Orange Grove Boulevard when we were told about the award. The band erupted. I was surprised, to say the least, because it was the last thing I was thinking about.”

Having served as associate director during the first performance by the Honor Band created by the Bands of America in 2005, Sarver said this time around she was focused on three things, which included:

Could the ensemble play together when spread over 4,450 feet while an audience is cheering?

What would the infamous turn onto Colorado Boulevard from Orange Grove Boulevard look like?

And, would the floats maintain the proper distance from band members given the fact that the drivers cannot see more than shadows?

During the rehearsal, Sarver said the drivers were blindfolded and guided by headset communication by the float producer, and that as her responsibilities shifted from associate director to “head boat driver,” she was not a little unconcerned about how things would turn out.

“I was on the main headset leading the entire unit, and making sure the producer, drivers and the rest of the staff knew when the parade was stopping and starting up again,” Sarver said. “It may not seem like much, but the potential of crashing into the Cal Poly float was very high because we had to stay within 30 feet of them in order to maintain the parade pace and not cause problems with the television broadcast.”

Next stop Washington, D.C.

Sarver said the University of Delaware Marching Band, which has not played together since the last home football game Nov. 22, will have 12 hours of practice beginning Jan. 18 for the Inaugural Parade Tuesday, Jan. 20, in Washington, D.C.

“There is nothing better than little time and tons of excitement when it comes to getting the UDMB ready for something,” Sarver said. “One of the greatest things about our band is their commitment and dedication. They always rise to the occasion and they love pressure.”

Article by Jerry Rhodes