In February, we held our annual Awards Banquet. We celebrated the band's historic 2023 season, as well as our members' accomplishments, from academic success to years of service in the band. We also recognized the recipients of our service awards: Alumni Recognition, Friend of the HMB, HMB Partnership Award, and the Director's Awards.
The Band had a remarkable number of Academic Achievement Award winners this year. 47 Students have maintained a cumulative GPA of 4.0 or higher. The Band's combined GPA in the Fall 2023 semester was 3.36, and 134 students were on the Dean's and President's lists.
We also recognized our 4th, 5th, and 6th year members for their years of service, and our Truax, Enstrom, and Alumni Band Scholarship winners. Check out a full gallery of photos from the banquet, including all award recipients, here.
Alumni Recognition Award
Kathy Ford ('92 BA) was a trumpet player in the HMB in the early 90s. Today, she serves at the band's Operations Manager. Kathy devotes a significant portion of her life to the Hawkeye Marching Band, going far above and beyond the requirements of her position at the University of Iowa. She is a passionate and enthusiastic advocate for the Hawkeye Marching Band, and plays a significant role in the engagement of every one of the band's constituencies: students and parents, alumni, donors, and fans.
HMB Partnership Award
Shaun McCarthy of University of Iowa Sports Medicine is the first ever designated athletic trainer for the Hawkeye Marching Band. He lends his expertise in health and wellness to every aspect of the band's daily operations, and his contributions have been significant. We are grateful for his support and partnership, and look forward to continuing our work with him in the 2024 season.
Tammie Walker, Director of the University of Iowa School of Music, has been an incredible partner to the band from the moment she arrived on campus in 2019. She is a fierce advocate for our students' experience in the band, from ensuring safety on game days to her partnership in donor relations. She takes on the role of de facto "host" to the band's guests on game days, and always works to amplify the work our band is doing to the broader university and music communities. For the last four years, she has also been a HMB Mom, as her son Bennett has served as section leader of the sousaphones for two years.
Friend of the HMB
Jeff Chapman is a HMB donor and parent (his son Luke was a member of the Hawkeye Drumline and served as Quads section leader this year). He has made several significant gifts in recent years to support the band, including a recent gift, where he stepped up to help fund the band's day at Universal Studios as thanks for their hard work throughout the 2023 season. Thank you, Jeff!
Tammy and David McKeehan are two other HMB parents (their daughter Kathleen is a former member of the clarinet section). They have been frequent donors to the band over the last few years, including several matching gifts for One Day for Iowa. This year, they also contributed to the band's day at Universal Studios in Orlando as thanks for their hard work throughout the 2023 season. Thank you, Tammy and David!
HMB Director's Awards
Miranda Basart is a member of the HMB work crew. A junior who also plays mellophone in the HMB, she has demonstrated over and over again an incredible work ethic, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence.
Robby Hoag, section leader for the trombones in the HMB, is a fourth-year member of the band. He is an outstanding leader and the kind of band member who always pitches in to ensure that every detail is taken care of, including coming to help load and unload the equipment truck, assisting the work crew, and providing excellent mentorship to the trombones in the band.
Carson Kahley a fifth-year member of the HMB, also served as Bass section leader on the Hawkeye Drumline this season. Throughout the summer leading up to band camp, Carson frequently came to the HTRC to meet with prospective, and after auditions, new members of the Hawkeye Drumline to work with them to prepare for the upcoming season. He is a dedicated and intentional leader for the Hawkeye Drumline and the band overall.
