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4:36 p.m., Sept. 12, 2007--With music ranging from classical to classic rock, fans of Fightin' Blue Hen football will find something to get their toes tapping during the 300-plus member UD Marching Band's halftime performances at Tubby Raymond Field at Delaware Stadium this fall.

“Jim Ancona, assistant marching band director, and I have moved towards trying to find ways to entertain as many of the diverse fan groups as possible by programming different types of music,” Heidi Sarver, UD Marching Band director, said. “The selection ends up becoming quite an eclectic halftime show, with one tune having very little to do with the next one except for one thing--it's good music. If there is a theme, it's called 'something for everybody.'"

Among the tunes on tap for halftime this fall are “Bacchanale,” from Saint-Saens' Sampson and Delilah, and “Malagueña,” by Cuban composer Ernesto Lecuona.

“While most people will not recognize the title [“Bacchanale”], there is no doubt that everyone will recognize the melody, particularly at the end of the tune,” Sarver said. “As for the legendary Malagueña, this is my 13th season as director of the UD Marching Band (UDMB), and I just never got around to programming this spectacular piece of music. Although the title is may not be recognizable, everyone will know it the minute the band starts to perform it.”

Additional halftime offerings this fall include “Baba O'Riley” and “Who Are You,” both by The Who, “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” possibly some music by rock group Journey and the “one and only all-time Delaware favorite, 'Stars and Stripes Forever,'” Sarver said.

Despite losing several days of outdoor practice due to a succession of rainy days in August, Sarver said that band still managed to enjoy a successful band camp and got off to a good start at New Student Convocation on Aug. 27 in the Bob Carpenter Center.

“We were able to spend an incredible amount time on the music, but were limited in the time we were able to spend on choreography. This set us back in a huge way, but, due to the commitment of band members, we are catching up pretty quickly, Sarver said. “Convocation, which marks the beginning of our performance season was a fantastic showcase and a great start for the UDMB.”

A typical practice session, held three days each week, usually involves musical warm-ups, marching basics, working on individual tunes and pregame show preparation, Sarver said.

Sarver also noted the improved performance conditions on the new playing surface and sideline areas on Tubby Raymond Field.

“Not only was the field wonderful to march on, but the added turf on the sidelines was fantastic for all the front percussionists and color guard members,” Sarver said. “No longer did we have to scrape mud and muck off the mallet instruments or wash all the flags and fabric that the color guard uses.”

Sarver cited the support of the UD administration and athletics department as playing a major role in the continuing success and popularity of the UD Marching Band.

“I have colleagues all over the nation who cannot believe the support this University has given the band,” Sarver said. “I know how spoiled and lucky I have been for the last 13 years, and I wouldn't trade it for anything.”

George Nimmo, a senior music education major from Warren, N.J., said that hearing about and viewing videos of the UD Marching Band made becoming a trumpet-playing member of the unit seem like the logical next step in his musical and marching band career.

“When I came to UD to audition for the music department as a senior in high school, one of the UD Marching Band's DVDs was playing in the atrium of the Amy E. du Pont Music Building,” Nimmo said. “I took the time to watch the halftime show, and I was amazed. I immediately wanted to be part of that band and this department. I definitely feel that I made the right choice.”

Lindsey Kling, a senior environmental engineering major from Dover, Del., said that the band has come together as a unit despite rain-shortened outdoor practice sessions during band camp.

“The most enjoyable thing is the satisfaction you get from performing a show. Marching and playing and watching a drum major requires multi-tasking, and being able to successfully perform makes you feel elated for the rest of the week,” Kling said. “The band is a family for everyone in it. The support I get from the band is more than I've received from any other UD activity. I'm looking forward to a great season, and I hope that everyone who comes to the games likes our show. It's going to be awesome.”

Andrew Tremblay, a mellophone player and freshman music education major with a concentration in horn from Somerset, Mass., said that his experience with the UD Marching Band thus far has been the most important aspect of his overall college experience.

“It is really a great bunch of people. Not only does the band look and sound phenomenal, but we honestly have a great time doing it,” Tremblay said. “I have never been around such an exciting, enthusiastic and energetic group of people. Just imagine, 300 people running around a field together, working together, pouring out their hearts into every note that leaves their instrument, every stroke of their drum, every toss of their flag, baton or saber--together. Everyone is so focused on perfecting their individual performance and working together to accomplish awesome things. It's an amazing experience.”

Coming events for UDMB

Sept. 29: Band Day. The UDMB will be joined by as many as 16
high school and middle school marching bands, including nine bands directed by UD alums;

Sept. 30: Intercollegiate Marching Band Festival, Allentown, Pa.

Oct. 13: Immediately after Homecoming, UDMB will be performing an exhibition during the Mt. Pleasant High School Marching Band Festival at Frawley Stadium in Wilmington, Del.

Article by Jerry Rhodes
Photos by Kevin Quinlan