And the Warrior Beat Goes on: Boom, Crush, Bang

The vibraphone is one of the few instruments that doesn't move around the field. Photo Credit / Jamie Reese
The vibraphone is one of the few instruments that doesn't move around the field. Photo Credit / Jamie Reese
The vibraphone is one of the few instruments that doesn’t move around the field.
Photo Credit / Jamie Reese

By Amanda Schreck
SC Staff Writer

On Saturday, September 27, family and friends gathered at Eiler-Martin Stadium to listen to a rehearsal performed by the Warrior Marching Band.

Family and friends were able to get a behind-the-scenes look at the diligence the band displays at least two days a week and before games.

The Warriors filled the field with pounding drums, booming sousaphones, and blaring trumpets while baton twirlers and the color guard team twirled around them.

Marcus Howard, head drum major, has been a part of the Warrior Marching Band for three years. One of the events he is most excited for is the Homecoming Parade.

“The marching band will be at the front of it,” said Howard, “and we’re looking forward to that especially. Also, this semester we’re looking into going to local area high schools and performing exhibitions. It’s a good recruiting tool.”

Howard thinks the marching band is a great way to be active on campus.

He said, “You meet a cool group of people that you’re going to be with the rest of your college career. It definitely helps the transition from high school to college.”

ESU’s Marching Band Director, Tim Eick, believes the marching band is a great way for students to enjoy themselves, to learn, and move on to teach other bands.

Eick said, “I have been doing this for 28 years consecutively as a member, brass tech and a director in high school, college band, and drum corps, and it never gets old for me. My goal for the band is to teach them to be entertainers and not just musicians marching in uniform.”

The band rehearsal gave others a special look at all the dedication the band puts in during each practice and to help family weekend visitors and fellow students get hyped up about the fall season.

According to Howard, the band is trying to focus on not only being a marching band, but also making the most out of their time by giving the crowd a show each and every game.

Howard said, “Interacting with all of our peers and working together and to make fine music and entertain the crowd — that’s our main goal for this semester.”

Email Amanda at:
aschreck@live.esu.edu