The first-year undergraduate student is performing in her first season with the Hawkeye Marching Band as their feature twirler.

Ella McDaniel came all the way from New Hampshire to serve in the coveted role of UI Golden Girl, the Hawkeye Marching Band’s scholarship baton twirler. She enjoyed her time at Iowa so much that, after graduating with a degree in exercise science, she plans to stay on campus and work toward a Master of Science in Athletic Training.

One of the most iconic voices associated with the University of Iowa is hanging up his microphone. On Tuesday, Iowa's Marching Band public address voice announcer Lou Crist announced he would retire following the Hawkeyes' season opener against UAlbany at Kinnick Stadium on Aug. 30. Crist, dubbed the "Golden Voice of the Hawkeye Marching Band," has been the voice for the marching band since 1981. The university shared his decision in a video on YouTube.

Ella McDaniel leads the Hawkeye Marching Band as its Golden Girl, the main featured twirler. She’s finishing her fourth and final season leading HMB. She grew up dreaming of doing this, starting twirling after seeing a group of twirlers at a dance recital at four years old. “I saw the twirlers and I was obviously just so amazing at what they were doing,” said McDaniel. “I had no idea what was happening, but I knew I wanted to do it, and spend my life doing it.”

Each fall in Iowa City, as leaves turn color and temperatures cool, there’s a distinct buzz around campus. Students, faculty, alumni, and fans wrap themselves in Hawkeye Black and Gold, ready to begin another academic year cheering on the Hawkeyes. At the heart of it all, providing the soundtrack for all the excitement and nostalgia, are the hardworking and talented student musicians who make up the University of Iowa Hawkeye Marching Band (HMB). Our beloved HMB is just one part of a robust and storied band program in the School of Music now serving more than 700 students, which has adapted, grown, and changed remarkably over more than 140 years.

The band's mellophone section extends deal with kitchenware business after making history last year.

The marching band’s “Best of Bluder” show honors Bluder’s legacy as she announces her retirement from the university.