Around 3 p.m. it’s scorching outside, but that doesn’t stop The University of Memphis Marching Band. Despite the weather, the land beside the Elma Roane Fieldhouse is filled with all 245 band members present and practicing.
Under the direction of associate director Nick Holland, The Mighty Sound of the South is promising new things this year.
“We’re replacing our traditional march around with block M’s around the visitor’s and home section during the pre-game show,” Holland said.
But that isn’t all to expect, said senior drum major Latrell Armstrong.
“We’re going to be a bigger, better and louder band than before,” Armstrong said. “All three shows are going to be excellent.”
The first show will feature a Southern gospel theme, said director Nick Holland.
“It will be Southern gospel in sense of style,” Holland said. “We’ll be playing Amazing Grace, Let it Shine and Higher, Higher.”
Throughout the season varied performances are to be expected.
“We’re going to be doing Dual of the Fates from Star Wars Episode One the Phantom Menace, Mission Impossible 2, highlights from Gladiator, and Groove 101: A funk show,” Holland said.
Aside from new changes, Armstrong said the marching band is essential to The U of M. He said it helps keep spirits up.
“The band brings spirit to the school,” Armstrong said. “We’re always there to liven the crowd and keep spirits up.”
A downside is that we’re loved and blamed, Armstrong added.
“People love us when the team wins, but when they lose they blame us,” Armstrong said.
“We’re underappreciated by the student body, because we don’t do shows and styles like Historically Black Colleges and Universities,” said alto saxaphone player, Chris Johnson.
When asked if they felt second rate to HBCU bands, tuba player Marcus Bobo said yes.
“Yes, we’re underappreciated because we don’t play soulful music,” Bobo said.
But being a member of the marching band is more than what the crowd hears. It’s about experiencing college, said various members.
“It’s a good way to meet people, stay involved on campus and support the team,” said trumpet players April Coleman and Blair Phillips.
“You get the total college feel, you get to play at the games and you get full attention when you’re on the field, “ Bobo added.
Aside from the social aspects, the band builds character, Armstrong added.
“It promotes leadership and self-discipline,” Armstrong said.
Percussionist Zack Horvarth said the main goal is to do well.
“It’s my job to perform well – that’s the main goal in my mind while on the field,” Horvarth said.
But ask tuba player Jason Townsend his reason for being in the band and you’ll hear much less.
“I just do it for the love of music,” Townsend said.
The U of M Marching Band can be heard at all home Tiger football and basketball games.
