A challenge is bringing metal to marching bands. One band participating is directed by a Montrose native and Central Michigan University alum.

Marching band and metal music coming together may seem strange, but two Iowa Marching Bands are up for the challenge. Both the University of Iowa and Iowa State are finalists in the Metallica Marching Band Competition. The heavy-metal band is challenging marching bands at all levels to create exciting, unique, and impressive performances using their music. Both Iowa and Iowa State submitted their Metallica set, and they have made the top five for the Collegiate - Division 1 category.

A petition led by Hawkeye fans urging the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl to “let the bands play” has declared victory after event organizers this week announced both the Hawkeye Marching Band and the Pride of the Southland Band will perform on the field before the News Year’s game and at halftime.

The organizers of the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl have reversed their decision to exclude the Hawkeye Marching Band from playing at halftime after facing backlash from the band members and the local community. The band will now perform at the game on Jan. 1 in Orlando.

Shockey kept a full schedule as a student, including working as student manager of the Hawkeye soccer team for a year and a half and with Dance Marathon—which he says he signed up for before he even moved onto campus. But Shockey says some of his best memories at Iowa came from being a member of the Hawkeye Marching Band.

After further review, organizers of the Citrus Bowl are reversing course on their decision about the game's halftime show.

Iowa alumnus George Scully is back at Kinnick Stadium after getting a surprise visit from the Hawkeye Marching Band to mark the end of his treatment.