UI band members keep Serpentine tradition alive
The University of Idaho buzzes during homecoming, especially when the entire student body marches through the campus streets in the Serpentine to the annual bonfire.
As they have every year, leading the students will be the Vandal Marching Band.
The night is an exhausting one for members of the band, who must march to the UI’s president’s residence, through Greek Row, down past residence halls and finally to the Kibbie Dome parking lot.
Once the Friday night festivities are over, band members still have a tiring weekend ahead, as they must perform for the Homecoming Parade, the football game and later a volleyball game that same day.
“People may not realize it until they actually perform, but marching band is an actual sport,” said Spencer Martin, director of the UI Marching Band. “The band will be marching anywhere from 20 to 25 miles this weekend. We are making sure that they stay healthy.”
Although the Serpentine is the first night of a long weekend for the band, they are excited to stay involved in the UI tradition.
“I think Serpentine, much like our other traditions such as the Homecoming Parade or the Vandal Walk are all important for our school. I think it’s important to keep these traditions we’ve had for years,” Martin said. “It’s an important tradition that spans seven or eight decades. When else will you be able to march with thousands of other people like that?”
Vince DiFatta, the band drum line leader will be one of the band members that leads the Serpentine march. After four years at the university, DiFatta has seen his fair share of Serpentine parades.
“It’s going to be memorable because it’s my last one,” he said. “For me, it’s about making the most of it one last time.”
DiFatta said Serpentine is a chance to have a more relaxed sense of fun before the homecoming festivities begin in earnest.
“It’s not as strict as being on the field or being in the Homecoming Parade,” he said. “We have a chance to try some new cadences and maybe new songs.”
This sense of a more relaxed spirt was echoed by Martin.
“Serpentine is significantly looser,” he said. “When we get to the bonfire it’s honestly a mess. But it’s OK because it’s so fun and exciting.”
In order to keep as much stability as possible during the crazed night filled with rowdy students and an explosive fireworks display, Martin leans on older students like DiFatta to ensure the band stays disciplined.
“Vince is great, he is what I think of to be a role model for the younger students,” Martin said. “He is part of the reason why our drum line is so big this year.”
DiFatta said as an older player he has a duty to be a leader to the younger members.
“I looked up to people before me when they were in charge,” he said. “Whether they realize it or not they look up to us because we are the leaders and we know the traditions. And some day, they will be the leaders.”
Sam Balas
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