I’m feeling kind of directionless today, so what better than a drum major to march me right out of my pre-Thanksgiving funk?
I came across a huge collection of band materials from the Holmes McNeely era (1951-67) a while back when my colleagues were rearranging things in the Woodson. This is a large and well organized collection but this batch was undated. Judging by what’s visible in the backgrounds I’d say it’s about 1957, but I’m not going to go to the mat on that. I know I have a lot of readers who are interested in the band, but I’ll confess right up front that I find the backgrounds even more interesting. So that’s a win-win, I guess.
I was really surprised to discover that the band has always practiced in luxurious facilities. I don’t know where this is, though.
And of course they spent a lot of time practicing outside:
I also actually did some research and found this article about the new style the band adopted for the 1957 season. I don’t know enough about marching bands to know how big a change this is:
Here they are on their way to the stadium on game day:
Bonus:
Extra Bonus: Think you’ve got some fancy shoes? I’d be very surprised if they’re fancier than my granddaughter’s new boots. (Yes, those are silver sequins.)
