News

Kara Metzger conducting the DCI Colts and the Hawkeye Marching Band

Colts’ Caitlin Clark: Metzger leads by example for Dubuque organization

Wednesday, March 20, 2024
when Colts director Vicki MacFarlane compared Kara Metzger — a former drum major and current staff member for the Dubuque, Iowa corps — to the prolific point guard, it was no small comment. “I guess she’s like our Caitlin Clark,” MacFarlane said. “She’s the reason people want to keep coming back.”
Hawkeye Metal Band performs during Metallica Halftime show in Kinnick Stadium

‘Enter Sandman’: CMU alum directing Hawkeye Metallica tribute

Wednesday, December 20, 2023
A challenge is bringing metal to marching bands. One band participating is directed by a Montrose native and Central Michigan University alum.
Hawkeye Marching Band performing in Kinnick Stadium

Two Iowa marching bands finalists in Metallica Marching Band Competition

Wednesday, December 13, 2023
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.
Drum Major Christian Frankl leads the HMB onto the field for Halftime in Kinnick Stadium

Hawkeye Marching Band back in the halftime lineup after outcry

Tuesday, December 12, 2023
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.
HMB members performing in the 2023 Homecoming parade in downtown Iowa City

Hawkeye Marching Band to perform at halftime of Citrus Bowl after community blowback

Monday, December 11, 2023
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.
Carter Shockey

Driven to create community through sport and recreation

Sunday, December 10, 2023
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.
Hawkeye Marching Band trombones performing in the stands at Kinnick Stadium

Decision Reversed: Hawkeye Marching Band will perform halftime show at Citrus Bowl

Sunday, December 10, 2023
After further review, organizers of the Citrus Bowl are reversing course on their decision about the game's halftime show.
George Scully tosses a beanbag

After Cancer Fight, Hawkeye Superfan Finds Joy in the Wave

Tuesday, December 5, 2023
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.
Drew Bonner conducting the HMB in the HTRC

Stepping up Hawkeye Marching Band performances

Saturday, November 18, 2023
His mother calls him “a walking musical note,” but these days, Drew Bonner is more of a marching musical note. As one of the graduate teaching assistants working with the University of Iowa Hawkeye Marching Band, he’s written 148 minutes of marching music since June, “which is a lot,” he said, often arranging hits from pop to heavy metal and Iowa’s own Meredith Willson for halftime shows.