Greetings fossils!
We had a wonderful Homecoming reunion in October 2023, with over 500 alumni participating in events throughout the weekend as we celebrated 50 years of the Iowa Alumni Band! The energy and enthusiasm were off the charts and I thoroughly enjoyed reconnecting with longtime friends and welcoming so many recent alumni. Undoubtedly, a highlight of the weekend was having Dr. Morgan Jones (8th Director of the HMB) attend, along with his son (Rhys) and grandchildren (Elinore and Noel).
The reception in Voxman included a performance by the HMB leadership, a 50th anniversary video/slide show that featured Al Greener playing a moving arrangement of the Iowa Fight Song, Roll Along, and On Iowa, and remarks by several individuals. Dr. Jones remarks brought both tears (of joy) and cheers when he closed by asking three questions alumni had been waiting a long time to hear him say: “Are you Hawks?” Are YOU Hawks?” ARE YOU HAWKS??!!” Lou Crist was recognized as recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Hickerson Recognition Award for service to the University of Iowa. We fondly remembered Jared Hills, who participated in every alumni band until his death in July 2023, with a touching display of personal memorabilia provided by Carol Hills and family.
The alumni band for the parade was huge and many spectators commented that it was the largest and best sounding so far. The post-parade picnic again provided good food and fellowship and post-parade bands entertained fans in downtown Iowa City and at Iowa River Landing.
Alumni Band “took back the field” on Saturday and nailed it in rehearsal, needing only one “down and off” full run through at the end of rehearsal. The Super Hawks formation was the largest yet, with over 600 alumni and HMB musicians!! Alumni Band joined HMB to play “Frankenstein” after the game before we said “until next year.” A shout out to having a full percussion section and to Bill Sornsin and others for their work to standardize and rehearse the cadences for alumni band; this extra effort was evident and much appreciated.
Many people spend countless hours preparing for and during homecoming weekend and the weekend would not be possible without your help. Alumni Band Director, Jeff Sebille, and Lindsey Koby and Rhonda Roskos at the University of Iowa Center for Advancement are the “glue” that identifies and makes sure someone is covering each detail of this important weekend to ensure success. I greatly appreciate everyone who helped in any way. Thank you!
SAVE THE DATE for Homecoming 2024: October 24 – 26, 2024. It is very important that you keep your contact information current at the University of Iowa Center for Advancement to ensure you receive notifications about homecoming, alumni pep band, and other Alumni Band communications. Also join the University of Iowa Alumni Band Facebook page to stay updated: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092584807558
Alumni Pep Band, under the direction of Tim Clay, was the largest ever with a total of 150 alumni showing up to play for two men’s and one women’s basketball game. Both basketball teams are fun to watch and March Madness is almost here. Let’s hope for a deep run in the tournament!
The Alumni Band Leadership Board was proud to present a scholarship to Nick Feingold, Mellophone section leader. Congratulations, Nick!
The Down and Off Podcast hosts are looking through a list of alumni to decide who to feature next. Stay tuned and check out podcast at https://www.buzzsprout.com/1445449
How do I get involved?
- Regional pep bands: Occasionally, the Alumni Band is asked to provide a pep band for an event. In order to do this, we need a leader and enough people available to play to make it viable. Currently, there are 2 upcoming requests:
- Thursday, May 2 in Dubuque for a College of Engineering semester-end event. Jeff Eagan has organized a group in the Dubuque area that plays at Dolph’s Bar for each football game. They collect free will donations which are donated to support local music programs.
- April 5 and 7 in Quad Cities – game watch with Quad Cities I-Club, contingent on the Iowa Women making a return trip to the Final Four. Ben Bekel and Jeff Sebille are coordinating.
If you can participate in either event, please reply to the Facebook post or email iowaalumniband@gmail.com and we will put you in touch with the right person.
Be sure to watch the University of Iowa Alumni Band Facebook page for details related to any future pep band opportunities.
- Alumni Band Leadership Board or Committee Volunteer: The Leadership Board has an opening for one board member effective with the fiscal year starting July 1, 2024. If you are interested, please apply by April 5, 2024 via this link: https://www.foriowa.org/groups/alumni-band.php The Nominating Committee will review applications and make a recommendation to the full Board for a vote in May. Our goal for Board membership is move toward having representation from different eras and skill sets. Additionally, we are always looking for alumni who are interested in volunteering for a committee or to help when needed with events (e.g., homecoming). If interested, please send an email to iowaalumniband@gmail.com or indicate on the application linked above that you are willing to volunteer and your area(s) of interest.
Go Hawks!
Arlene Houk, President, Iowa Alumni Band Leadership Board
