On Nov. 20, Drury University announced that was going to put together a marching band and a color guard. The Mirror contacted Dr. Alin Sorenson, Dean for the School of Communication, Fine and Performing Arts, for more information regarding the expansion of music’s role in Drury’s Athletics program.

Getting the program started

Sorenson stated, “Drury is looking for innovative ideas that will bring excitement and new opportunities for students.” This marching band and color guard fit that bill. The idea for the marching band was initially proposed last spring, and over the summer the concept was developed further. It was then presented to the faculty and board of trustees who have approved the program being put into action. 

However, one thing they need to find first is someone to run the program. Sorenson said, “We are currently searching for an additional full-time director in addition to one or two part-time positions to help oversee the various components. It will be a staff position, not faculty. The director will need to be someone who is experienced with all aspects of marching and athletic bands, and who can actively recruit and sustain the ensemble.”  

Sorenson admitted that several of the specifics will be worked out once a director has been hired. Since the program would be under the director’s purview, they are waiting to see what insights and refinements they want to make before finalizing those details.

(Photo via pixabay.com)

Including everyone

However, the question that is on some students’ minds is, ‘What’s going to happen to the current pep band?’ 

Drury’s current athletic, musical feature is the pep band. It is made up of students and community members who are paid by the game. They stand on the bleachers at the back of the arena to play their instruments, pumping up the crowds and the players. However, pep band attendance is on a come-as-you-can basis and is not supported by activity grants. 

This is going to change with the marching band. Sorenson explained, “Primarily, we see this as an extension of the current athletic band to include color/winter guard, drumline and winds. We see this as a recruiting opportunity and a means to add excitement to campus events, area parades and field exhibitions, as well as competitions.” 

There is obviously a lot of potential time and energy going into this new program and that costs money. Initially, those costs will be covered by donors. Drury has promised scholarships to students who participate, and Sorenson stated that there would be activity grants available by audition. 

For now, though, our pep band will still be at upcoming games. The new marching band hopes to debut in the fall of 2020. Any interested students should contact Allin Sorenson for more information.

Written by Afton Jagels.