For the past 100 years, the Vandal marching band has grown to be an important factor in the performers’ lives, but also to those who listen.
For some it’s a second family away from home and for others it’s a voice that is heard.
“We can impact other people we’ve never met just by being a part of the name, the vandal marching band,” senior Kathleen Cox said.
Vandal pride bleeds through the marching band.
From the directors, to the performers, to the audience, people are proud of the outcome on Saturdays.
“There’s something about being in full uniform and being with all these people that look the same as you that gives you liberties to act like a crazy person and be able to have so much fun without worrying about what are people thinking,” senior alto saxophone player Krystal Mullins said.
The Sound of Idaho is well known for its halftime performances during the home football games. They never seem to disappoint and always bring something new to the table.
“Let’s be honest, half of the crowd comes for the marching band” Allis said. “We always put on a killer show.”
It doesn’t matter if the Vandals are winning, losing or tied, the band knows how to get the fans energetic when needed.
“We entertain the audience in a way that they want to keep going to the games because of our halftime shows,” saxophone player Avery Pierce-Garnett said.
The band gives it their all and enjoy performing because at the end of the day, it’s all about having fun. Win or lose, the score of the football team doesn’t collide with the hard work ethic the band has put in.
“We’re just very proud of their hard work, the students that they put in and very proud of the past 100 years of hard work, dedication and passion that they have put into this organization and university,” Martin said.
Regardless of how long current members have been a part of the Vandal Marching Band, all recall pleasant memories during their time.
“Warming up every game at the old football field behind the administration building,” Martin said. “You can just feel there is an energy there that goes back 100-plus years and that was the sight of the very first marching band where they performed. That’s my favorite memory, just spending time with these students, that’s all we get to remember.”
For others, the highlights come from major events and performances on campus such as Homecoming.
“The whole week you’re exhausted, you get to that weekend, you’re working your butt off, you’re in serpentine, it’s so much fun,” Allis said.
And for some it is the thrill of the performance itself.
“After each halftime, hearing the crowd explode in this roar of applause,” Mullins said. “It always validates all the hard work you’ve put in.”
In honor of the 100 year celebration, the band has decided to do things old school. The band will highlight original songs that were composed in the 1930s and 1940s.
It should be a fun challenge for the band because it is different than any other halftime show, Martin said.
The homecoming events involving the band begin Friday night.
Serpentine starts at 8 p.m. The band will lead students to the parking lot of the Kibbie Dome as they make their way throughout campus so students may tag along on the tail end. Shortly after will be the bonfire, followed by fireworks.
Saturday, Idaho football plays Idaho State University. Kickoff is at 2:30 p.m. and the band will do pregame performances throughout the parking lot as people are tailgating.
“You’ll see some fun surprises debuted at this show,” Martin said.
Elizabeth Carbajal can be reached at [email protected]